My First Period

It may seem like a life time ago since you got your first period, and now you supposed to start a conversation with a child who hasn’t yet entered into the menstruation nation. 

Whether you’re a mother, father, aunt or care giver talking about periods can be a tricky conversation to broach. Regardless, you want to make sure your child feels supported and educated during this next phase of their life.

Here are several tips on how to confidently talk to your child about periods.

1. Evaluate your own relationship with your menstrual cycle

This is a necessary step, and one that is often missed.  Just like the relationship with our physical body, our opinions, behaviours and attitudes with our menstrual cycle are also watched closely by children. The language you use and your confidence talking about these topics will help form your child’s own relationship with their cycle.

2. Pre-period talks

Make time to talk to your child prior to them getting their first period. Research states that girls as young as 8 years old are getting their period, however the average to get your first period is between 12-13 years old. This is a good time to talk to your child about your own experiences with your period. For example, talk to your child about the following:

  • Where did you get your first period (school, friends house, home?)
  • What was your experience getting your period? Did you feel embarrassed or excited?
  • Where did you learn about periods and how have things changed from then till now?

3.Education material

Here is a list of some informative period and puberty resources available for children that are also engaging and fun!

4.  Sanitary product options

There is just about as many pad options as there is milk… So how do you know which sanitary items to choose. Within the past two years there has been a large movement towards sustainable sanitary products. Period underwear are great always a great idea, however a menstrual cup can take some time to grasp the hang on. (How to use a menstrual cup resource)

Ideally, you should keep a “first aid period pack” in child’s school bag and one at home that contains some sanitary items and maybe a pair of period underwear. This gives piece of mind for yourself and for your child to know that when it happens, they are prepared.

5. Check in every so often

Once you child eventually gets their period, it’s important to schedule regular check ins to see how they’re going with this change. We know its a right of passage to leak onto your clothes or bed sheets, but if this happens to your child at school or in a social setting it can cause a lot of shame. Talking through these experiences and sharing similar stories can help ease your child’s embarrassment.

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