When they exhibited enough characteristics, (hair, mouth, breasts, etc.) to indicate that bleeding was imminent, I bought them a box of tiny, slender, dainty maiden tampons and told them to PRACTICE! This way, when they did get their first blood, they wouldn’t have to deal with the mechanics of tampons for the first time. This plan worked out very well and both daughters have said they were grateful that their first bloods were so easy.

First bloods are a time of joyousness, mystery, entrance into the circle of women...cramps, hormones, attitude.

Prepare a “Blood Box." It should contain:

• A box of tampons, a box of pads or whatever method you’ve chosen between you for absorbing blood
• A large chocolate bar (I prefer dark, light is for wimps, white isn’t chocolate at all)
• A good book of choice, sci fi, romance, easy to read and absorbing (pardon the pun, I couldn’t resist)
• Motherwort, white willow bark, and/or Vitex tincture
• Chamomile tea
• A handkerchief or tissues
• The TV remote
• A Moon Pillow

Restock monthly.