Kindness Counts: Supporting Friends Who Get Their Period First (or Last)

Puberty doesn’t happen on a schedule. Some people get their period earlier than their friends. Some get it much later. And some feel stuck in the middle, wondering if their body is “normal.”

The truth is: there is no right time to get your first period. What matters most during this time isn’t timing, it’s kindness.

Everyone Develops at Their Own Pace

Bodies grow and change differently. Genetics, health, stress, nutrition, and environment all play a role in when puberty begins. Getting your period early or late doesn’t mean:

• Something is wrong

• Your body is failing

• You’re behind or ahead in a bad way

It simply means your body is doing things in its own time.

If You’re the First One to Get Your Period

Being the first can feel confusing or lonely. You might:

• Feel embarrassed or singled out

• Worry about leaks or being “different”

• Feel like you have to grow up faster

It’s okay to feel proud and overwhelmed at the same time. You deserve support, reassurance, and space to move at your own pace.

If You’re the Last One to Get Your Period

Being the last can also be stressful. You might:

• Feel left out or worried something is wrong

• Compare yourself to friends

• Feel pressure or embarrassment

Remember: many people don’t get their period until later in their teens and that can still be completely healthy. Your body hasn’t missed the memo. It’s just taking its time.

How to Be a Supportive Friend

Kindness doesn’t require knowing everything. Small actions matter.

What Helps

• Listening without judgement

• Keeping things private

• Offering reassurance: “Everyone’s different”

• Checking in: “How are you feeling about it?”

What to Avoid

• Teasing or joking

• Comparing bodies

• Asking personal questions in front of others

• Sharing someone’s story without permission

Respect builds trust.

If You Notice Someone Feeling Left Out or Embarrassed

You can:

• Change the subject

• Walk with them if they seem uncomfortable

• Offer support quietly

• Be inclusive and kind

Sometimes the most powerful support is simply standing beside someone.

For Parents & Carers

You can help by:

• Normalising different timelines

• Avoiding comparisons between siblings or peers

• Reassuring young people that bodies aren’t a race

• Keeping communication open

Your calm response helps reduce anxiety and self-doubt.

A Gentle Reminder

Growing up isn’t a competition. Getting your period earlier or later doesn’t make you:

• Better

• Worse

• More or less mature

It just makes you human. Kindness to others and to yourself makes all the difference.