The Embarrassing White Pants Story.

White jeans can be a cute, fresh look for warm weather. That’s what I though when I was 13 and my mom bought me a longed-for pair of white Chic jeans.

I rocked those pants with my oversized, off-the-shoulder sweater, a la Flashdance.

Then (I think you can see what’s on the horizon) one day (here it comes) when I had to stay late for band practice after school, I learned the downside of white jeans.

If you start your period in white pants you’ve got nowhere to hide.

It was like a crime scene in my jeans. And, it was even worse because I wasn’t prepared with supplies. I had to fashion a redneck maxipad out of toilet paper to make it work until my mom picked me up.

Please tell me I’m not the only one to ever MacGyver sanitary napkins out of scratchy, public school one-ply?

I couldn’t even use the payphone to call her to pick me up early, since I didn’t have any change on me. (“Mom, what’s a pay phone?”)

There I was, riding the Charmin pony, stretching out my sweater, and praying for my mom to come get me.

Thinking about it now still makes my cheeks pink. I don’t remember why I didn’t have other options, like a sanitary supply machine in the bathroom, a friend with a purse, or even a trusted teacher. I probably had back-up options but was too embarrassed to ask for help.

Now that school has started back for the year, please don’t let your daughter have a future funny story like mine. Prepare her for the period at school that’s not announced by a bell.

I hated carrying a purse, but if you are old enough to even possibly have a period, you need to get used to carrying a bag of some sort with you when you are away from home. In the least, make sure your daughter has an inner pocket of her school bag that always has pads at the ready.

When my girls pack for an overnight, whether a sleepover or a Girl Scout camping trip, I always ask if they have a pad in their toiletry bag. If they don’t need it, a friend might. 

My older daughter has been using U by Kotex for Tweens since she started her period a few months ago. They are smaller sized for smaller bodies, and don’t take up much space in a purse or bookbag.

You know, girls as young as eight can start their periods. Your girl may need to be prepared before you think. Don’t let her get stuck in the restroom of school without what could be the most important school supply.

I got my white pants white again, but learned a valuable lesson about being ready for my period. That lesson was: white pants are almost always an accident waiting to happen. Also, never leave home without a dime for the payphone or menstrual supplies.

Is your daughter about reach puberty? Talk to her about what to expect. Learn the signs at the U by Kotex website.

YOU are her most important source of information. It’s your responsibility, so don’t leave it up to health class or her peers. The Kotex site has lots of great references to help you answer her questions. Start the conversation!

I wrote this review while participating in a Brand Ambassador Campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of U by Kotex Tween and received products to facilitate my post and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.