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.

I have totally had the white jeans (only it was shorts) experience and it is something a girl never forgets! I too panicked and used half a roll of toilet paper to just get home with no more leaks. My mother (and I’m sure yours too) was never told about periods, Granny never offered to buy her any pads. She had to use what she found left in the house from her older sister! Unfortunately she didn’t use that knowledge to help me prevent an embarrassing moment, but I had great friends who gave me all the info and supplies I needed. Moms with our “been there, done that” situations have to be the proactive person in today’s modern world. Kudos to you, Cuz, for setting your girls up for less embarrassment than we experienced! 🙂
Mom was very open with me about biology, probably because of the experiences she shared with your mom. Still, I got caught short.
Both of my girls have small zippered bags sold for cosmetics to carry their supplies in.
And NO white jeans!
The only reason this never happened to me in high school was because I had horrendous cramps warning me ahead of time. So I stayed home from school the entire week until it was over. Not kidding. Not advocating this for anyone’s daughter, either.
I’ve given my daughter the same dark jeans and always carry a purse and supplies advice. I am the random stranger handing out pads to the unprepared.
You are like the Johnny Appleseed of periods!
Please. I bet public school one ply has served more than any brand…
I worked in an elementary school clinic. One day a girl came in with cramps, but she couldn’t say so. I had to quiz her until, by process of elimination, we came up with an answer. She was so ashamed. So I came straight home and talked to my daughters about all the correct terms. That they shouldn’t be uncomfortable. Time and place and so forth.
My mom started me out with belted pads, maybe hoping I’d never become aware there were better products available. Or, more likely, they were cheapest.
My MIL never even went to the store for her own. But sent her husband. (WTH?)
Around this house, we run the Cadillac of protection. And shop our own.
Hi Anne,
In my experiences, folded paper towels always come in handy for surprises! Sweatshirts tied low over the hips to hang down around one’s pants is always handy too.
Grinning with you,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Oh my gosh, that story totally made me cringe! Especially when you mentioned the “redneck maxi pad!” I’m not ashamed to admit that i’ve have to do the same on a few occasions. I guess these are the stories i’ll have to scar, i mean share, with my girl when she’s older. Thanks for sharing yours with us, you brave woman!
My daughter had one of those moments, called me hysterical from school. Brutal. No one saw and she did all the right things (because I am an open book of information) but she was, as any 13 year old will be, traumatized.
Yup. And when you hit menopause, forget about wearing white ever, cuz nothing follows any kind of schedule anymore. Girl Powah!