Do I have to tell someone that my period has started?

It’s your body and ultimately your choice, but we’d answer with an emphatic yes. It can be uncomfortable to talk to your parents about periods (and other puberty stuff), but it’s an important thing to share for a few reasons. First of all, periods are nothing to be ashamed of or hide. It can be really empowering to acknowledge what your body’s naturally doing. Secondly, your mom almost definitely has tips and tricks for taking care of yourself, what products to use, and what can help if you’re dealing with any PMS symptoms. It’s great to have an unofficial expert around! In addition, sharing that you’ve gotten your period can be a really cool moment of bonding for you and your mom, and our bet is that your mom will be excited and help you feel proud of your body—and probably share some great stories about her first period. Plus, from a purely practical perspective, it’s important for your parents to know what’s going on with you, so they can help you get the best possible care when you need it.