oh, this During the conversation. Are you ready to talk to your kids about periods?
Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on who you ask!), my kids have had “period talk” since they were about 8 and 10 years old, so they don’t have too many phases. I have a son who happily hands me a moon cup in the shower, and a daughter who openly celebrates the arrival of menstrual bras in her posts.
If you’re ready to answer your child’s questions about menarche, read on.
How to Have the “Period Talk”
Now, before you judge, I don’t mean to over celebrate. I simply mean normalizing the conversation about menstruation with two people, one of whom will and does bleed from the vagina frequently, and the other who will be around people who often or do bleed from the vagina frequently.
The sooner you can discuss and normalize periods with your children, the better. First, let it be part of the conversation about bodies and puberty; there’s no need to sensationalize it. Heck, at the end of the day, this change is one of the most natural processes in the world, and without it we wouldn’t be here.
In my experience, people only feel weird about something if you feel weird about it!
Hormones! physical and emotional changes
The scariest thing I’ve discovered over the years is how rarely we talk to our kids about periods. As a result, even the simplest things, such as the four phases of the cycle, are poorly understood by adults. Do you know what happens in your luteal phase, or luteal phase?
The sooner our children understand their cycles and what’s happening physically and emotionally in each stage and phase, the more empowered they will be as women. (If you’re a dad, as a man, you’re better equipped to support the women in your life.)
Knowing they can get pregnant once their periods start may also make them more responsible about boys and sex. Knowing what to expect from a trusted family member can help them feel reassured about their emotional and physical symptoms.
environmental impact
There is much more to this topic than just one period. These include environmental impacts, hygiene aspects (e.g. are you a ‘garbage collector’ or a ‘doucher’?!), different cultural and traditional taboos and the range of menstrual products available today.
color
Once you understand what the color of the fluid means, you’ll understand that painful PMT is not something any woman should have to suffer through. Just because they menstruate does not mean they automatically have some lifelong painful monthly debt that they may have accrued in previous lives.
Period poverty: What is it?
Then, period poverty (yes, it’s a thing) is happening (quietly) in your backyard – and it’s not just a “developing country” problem. What to do if you have transgender bleeding? Athletes, women fleeing domestic violence, women with disabilities, women in the Defense Forces – how do they manage their periods?
You can discuss and download period trackers and bust the myth that all women who live together bleed at the same time or that their menstrual cycle must last 28 days. You can even bet on how much blood they think you lose with each period.
Period talk is a lot of fun. At the same time, teach your children something crucial to their development.
Should you trust your dad to talk about menstruation?
Another important thing is to talk about how they feel about discussing this with their dad, remembering that they may or may not want to. If they don’t want to, things get more complicated. My research shows that one of the first things women wish their fathers had done at a young age was to at least be able to talk about the topic and be willing to buy the sanitary products they need!
So, encourage everyone to talk as much as possible during this time, otherwise it’s all up to you! Oh, and remember, both parents need to make sure there’s a bin in the toilet so your kids don’t have to figure out some ninja method of transporting bloody pads and tampons from the bathroom to the kitchen bin – ewww!
Frequently Asked Questions: Useful questions when preparing for a conversation
what should i include in it period talk and mine child?
When preparing to teach about periods, it is absolutely necessary to cover the basics. Start by understanding what menstruation is, why it happens, and how the menstrual cycle works. Explain to them that this is a normal part of growing up; every girl goes through it.
Also, discuss physical changes during puberty, such as breast development and discharge. Share different products they can use, such as tampons and period underwear. Most importantly, reassure them that it’s okay to have questions or feel unsure when they get their first period.
How do I know if my child is ready for a period talk?
Every child is different, but signs of readiness include asking about their bodies or showing curiosity about puberty. It might also spark some curiosity if they have a friend who has started menstruating. You can also create a relaxed environment where they feel safe talking about these topics. If they seem embarrassed but willing to listen, that’s a good sign they’re ready!
What are some tips for making conversations more comfortable?
Start by creating a relaxing atmosphere. Choose a time when you won’t be interrupted, perhaps while driving or while cooking together. Use casual language and be honest about your menstrual experience. Make it clear that this is a normal part of life and that they are always available to ask you questions. If you’re nervous, you might even say it’s okay to be embarrassed!
What should I do if my child has severe PMS or cramps?
If your child has severe symptoms, especially on the first day of her period, it’s important to take it seriously. Talk to her about how she’s feeling and encourage her to keep a menstrual diary to track her symptoms. This can help you identify patterns and potential triggers.
If their discomfort is affecting their daily life, consider consulting a healthcare professional for advice. Sometimes, physical activity can help relieve cramps, too!
What is the best way to deal with a spill or accident? Issue 1?
It’s normal for your child to feel scared, especially if there’s a spill or accident. In short, the body is just doing its thing and the lining of the uterus is shed when the egg has not been fertilized. It’s best to wear something like a pad or panty liner so they feel safer, especially if they plan to go swimming or hang out anywhere. Additionally, keeping supplies handy will make them more comfortable.
Finally, when it comes to menstruation
All in all, talking to your kids about periods doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By normalizing the conversation and providing clear, truthful messages, you can help them feel confident and prepared for this natural stage of life. It’s important to cover not only the basics of menstruation, but also the wider aspects, such as the emotional and physical aspects, environmental impacts, and even period poverty. Encourage them to feel comfortable talking about their experiences, whether it’s with you, another trusted adult, or even their dad.
Remember, your openness helps shape their understanding and acceptance of their bodies. The first few days of their cycle can be a challenge, but by educating them early on, you give them the tools to take on the challenge. So take this opportunity to start a conversation, address any concerns, and provide tips for discussing periods in a natural and empowering way. Every child should know that periods are a predictable part of life, and with your support, they can deal with them with confidence and ease.
