If you have a daughter, you're going to want to read this. When my husband and I found out that we were going to have a baby girl, we were so excited. Our firstborn was a boy, and we were thrilled that we would wind up with both a boy and a girl. While my son stewed over the fact that he wasn't going to have a baby brother and my husband developed a new gleam in his eyes for his precious daughter, I immediately began to develop anxiety over all of the un-fun stuff I would wind up having to deal with as our daughter grew up.

Don't get me wrong- I love having a little girl. It's a lot of fun to dress her up and enjoy 'girl time' with her. We enjoy a lot of the same things, which makes it so easy to want to be around her 24/7. She's a spirited girl, though, and I can already tell that she's going to give me a run for my money as she reaches her adolescent years.

I am not looking forward to the day my girl begins her menstrual cycle. Now in my thirties, when I look back on my own young adult years, I feel like I sort of navigated through murky waters without a whole lot of open conversation with my own mom. I'm hoping to be less of a prude than I am now, and be open and helpful to my daughter as she begins to navigate her way through that phase of her life. Thankfully, we have many years ahead of us before we reach that phase!

While I'm not jumping for joy at the idea of talking my daughter through the period problem days, I'm so glad that there are so many cool products out there that can help her feel more comfortable and can help alleviate any discomfort she might be feeling. 

Take a look at some awesome Period Kit ideas...

Comfy clothes

For the first day or two of a woman's cycle, it's nice to be able to relax in comfy clothes at the end of the day, especially if she's experiencing a lot of bloating or cramping. Athleisure apparel or yoga pants allow a little extra room in times of discomfort.

Period-proof undies

I know what you're thinking- what are those, and where can I get them? These must-have undies for teens from Knixteen help girls feel more confident when they have their period. With cute designs like boy shorts, these seamless undies trap leaks, crush odors, banish sweat, all without having to add a panty liner to the mix. Kiss the liners (and added expense) goodbye! Don't you wish they had these when we were younger, ladies?

Heat Therapy 

I would be lost without a good heating pad when battling PMS. I love my microwavable heating pad! It's a good size to cover a large or small area and can be warmed a little or a lot within seconds. 

Essential Oils

An essential oil diffuser or even roll-on oil containers are a must for any girl's PMS crushing-kit! I love to fill my bedroom with the scent of lavender because it's just so relaxing. A little drop of lavender oil into bath water is also amazing for relaxation!

A Cup of Tea

When I'm feeling cranky and bloated due to PMS, I always make myself a nice cup of tea. It's just one of those things that my mom always did for me when I was feeling sort of blah. Chamomile is amazing for helping with bloating and cramps. I always keep a box of these tea bags on hand at home.

Sweet and Salty Snacks

I know that we're often told to avoid caffeine around our periods, but if you're like me (or if your daughter is like me), we crave chocolate. I have to have a salty bite to balance out the sweetness of chocolate, though. I often go for dark chocolate covered pretzels, or just make my own. Dark chocolate is better for you, and pretzels are also healthier than potato chips!

I'm not a period expert, but I certainly have enough experience after dealing with my own for 20+ years! Don't be afraid to be open with your daughter about good 'ol Flo. She may not open up to you at first, but just being there to help guide her through such an awkward and uncomfortable time of her life will truly be appreciated later on!

What are your PMS must-haves?