Most parents worry of how and when to let their children know about menstruation and one fine day, they sit their children down and narrate the entire ‘Birds & Bees’ story. No, not fair at all!
Discussing menstruation in one single conversation is too much information at one go for the child and may lead to misunderstandings. Usually such information is immediately discussed with peers and leads to further complications. Thus, talking about it over various smaller, friendly and honest yet specific discussions is better than ‘The Talk’.
Childhood is full of questions and many are opportunities for us to disclose a part of the growing up process their bodies go through. If they have been given age-specific information since younger years such as 5 and 7, most kids grasp the topic of menstruation much better at the age of 9 or 10.
The ideal explanation is “Mommies have something called the uterus inside them to make babies. Every month the uterus makes a nest with a thick lining of blood to keep the egg safe. In case you don’t want a baby, the uterus discards the unused nest and makes a new one!”
Depending on the age of your child, you may share lesser or more terms and information on the topic. Elder children deserve to know the entire process of ovulation and should be explained by the usage of diagrams.
A child’s brain absorbs everything that influencers talk, processes that information, relates it to circumstances and lets out what he or she comprehends. Thus, it is necessary that you question your child about any such information received from peers or elders and verify if the information is correct. If not, clarify and make sure what they have understood is right.
Children relate to blood as injury, thus it is very important for parents to make sure the topic doesn’t sound scary or disturbing. Usage of positive words such as “it’s natural” or “it is wonderful being a woman”, children tend to relate to it in a more responsible manner. Mothers should never use words such as “I hate it” or “it’s a curse!” as such remarks will lead your child thinking of it on similar lines and maybe, refrain from discussing.
Don’t wait for them to ask you questions, start discussing your experiences or talk of symptoms or tummy ache but always be prepared to answer each of their questions correctly and wisely.
They should also be informed that though being of the same age group, it is not necessary that all girls get their periods at the same age since some bodies may mature earlier than the others.
Making them aware of how menstruation works and the usage of sanitary napkins. Younger kids should be explained softly that although it isn’t an injury, we need to avoid the mess and just as cotton or bandages are used over a cut, sanitary napkins etc. are used during menstruation.
Never hesitate explaining menstruation to your children as they have the same questions which you had as a child. Not only will you benefit from the openness but begin sharing an all-new bond of trust and friendship with them.
- Sheetal Bidaye
- September 20, 2016
- 0 Comment
