When it comes to getting your teen girl back-to-school ready, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. From scientific calculators to notepads and pencils, there are so many things she needs to be successful in her newest academic adventure. But beyond the traditional classroom materials required by junior and high school teachers, your daughter also needs to be well-stocked with personal supplies.  

Teen girls have some unique needs based on their anatomy and their growing hygiene concerns. From dealing with monthly periods to body odor issues (especially after P.E.), the average teenager has a lot on her mind. However, preparation can go a long way toward reducing her anxiety and apprehension. Here are a few back-to-school essentials every mom should make sure her teen girl has.    

Period Products

Going to school during period week can be a nightmare for teen girls. It can be difficult to run to the bathroom and change a maxi pad or tampon between class periods. And, of course, there’s always the dreaded possibility of your period starting unexpectedly while you’re at school and unprepared. There aren’t many things more embarrassing than being told by a classmate that you’re bleeding through your pants.

As a mom, you may not be able to completely remove your daughter’s fears of having an embarrassing period moment at school. However, you can significantly reduce her worries by purchasing pads, tampons, discs, or period underwear. Having multiple choices allows them to feel prepared and confident, no matter the situation. Period underwear, for example, can be a great backup on lighter days or when they know their period might start but aren’t sure when. Providing a range of supplies can also encourage her to discover what makes her feel most comfortable.

Pain Relief

Monthly bleeding isn’t the only physical challenge many teen girls deal with while going to school. Some also experience painful menstrual cramps. These can occur just before and during period week. They happen when the uterus contracts as a result of changing monthly hormones. For some girls, menstrual cramps are merely an annoyance. For others, they can cause debilitating pain. Some over-the-counter pain medications such as Midol, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and others, may help alleviate the pain of menstrual cramps.

Many schools have a policy that states students can’t carry any medication while in school. However, you can give your daughter a dose of pain medication as directed before she goes to school on her period days. Some healthcare professionals recommend this preventative approach for girls who get debilitating menstrual cramps. Depending on your school’s policy, you may also be able to drop off medication with the school nurse, who can administer it to your daughter as needed during the school day.

The school nurse may also be able to provide a heating pad. If not, buy some stick on heating pads she can apply when needed. If your teenager has severe monthly cramps that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, consider scheduling a doctor’s appointment. She may have an underlying health condition that requires treatment, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

Healthy Snacks

Obesity impacts more than one in five kids between the ages of 12 and 19. Teenagers with obesity have an increased risk of health-related problems such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Eating processed foods and snacks can contribute to weight gain and don’t provide the nutrients teens need for their growing bodies. Many moms are meticulous about the lunches they pack for their kids, but it’s also important to pack healthy snacks.

It’s common for teens to get hungry throughout the day, not just at mealtimes. This is especially true if they have any classes that require physical exertion. To help your daughter resist the urge to grab a sugary, nutrient-deficient option from the vending machine, send her to school with healthy options. Some ideas that don’t require refrigeration include apples, nuts, trail mix, protein bars, dried fruit, and turkey jerky. You might also want to send a little dark chocolate to help during that time of the month.

A Water Bottle

Staying well-hydrated is essential for good health. Water helps the body maintain a normal temperature. It also lubricates the joints and assists in the body’s waste-elimination processes.  People who don’t drink enough water may damage their organs and experience a decline in their physical health. It’s easy for teens to forget to adequately hydrate when they’re busy rushing from one class to the next.

To encourage your teenage daughter to drink more water, ask her to pack a reusable tumbler in her backpack each day. Adding a few ice cubes can help keep the water cold and refreshing no matter what the weather is like outside. You can even add a wedge of lime or lemon to her water to make it more appealing.

Deodorant

Body odor is one of the many hormone-related changes teenagers go through. Body odor is typically caused by a combination of sweat and bacteria on the skin. It can become worse after physical activity, nervousness, or hormone changes. Ease your daughter’s mind by letting her know body odor is a normal part of growing up and there are ways to handle it. For typical armpit odor, a stick of deodorant and regular showers are often enough to keep the scent at bay.

If your daughter experiences body odor in more sensitive areas of her body, she may think she needs to purchase perfumed soaps and feminine deodorants. However, it’s important to let her know that such products could potentially upset her natural pH balance. It’s better to use a gentle, non-scented soap, shower regularly, and wear loose-fitting clothing. If the scent persists despite good hygienic practices, there may be an underlying problem that needs addressing, such as a vaginal infection or forgotten tampon. Make sure she’s comfortable talking about her body and coming to you with any questions or concerns.

Teenage girls have a lot going on with their bodies, hormones, and emotions. Help your daughter face the school year with greater confidence by making sure she’s well-prepared with these essential items.