I've already tried to explain to my mom that I'm close to menstruating, but she says it's too early, even though I'm 10 years and 7 months old and she got her period at 11. I'm feeling a lot of signs of puberty, like, a lot, but she doesn't believe me. That's why I took my toiletry bag, put 2 of her pads in it, put 1 pair of underwear, 1 small bag, and put it in my school backpack. I'm keeping this to myself because she doesn't believe me. What do you think about this situation?

Oh, friend, what a frustrating situation, right? It's super normal for you to be feeling these things and want to prepare yourself, because our bodies change on their own schedule, there's no exact calendar for everyone. And it's very normal for the first period to come between 10 and 13 years old, so you're right in the age range!

What to do when your period is near

You're already doing something super important: preparing yourself! Having an emergency kit in your backpack is brilliant because we never know the exact time. Like, if you need to use it, you're already ready, you know?

Another thing is that, even if she doesn't believe you now, your parents want to help you. It's just that sometimes they forget what it's like to be a child and what it's like to feel these things for the first time. But it's good to try talking to her again, or ask someone she trusts to talk to her. Like, an aunt, a grandmother, or even a friend's mom. Sometimes hearing it from someone else helps.

And there's the how close is my first period? quiz, which can give you a better idea of the signs. It only takes a minute to do!