Due to lack of knowledge about menstrual cycles, the education board has included reproductive play chapters in biology. Students learn the truth behind periods that girls and women get every month. However, an average girl child enters puberty at the age of 10 to 11 years. After one to two years, the menstrual cycle starts, and the girls go through the monthly cycles of the period.
It is the responsibility of parents to make their kids understand the menstrual cycle, the myths still prevalent in society, and the truth behind this biological phenomenon. It shouldn’t be taught only to girls but also to boys so everyone can have clarity about menstruation.
However, parents face a dilemma while talking to their kids about first menstruation.
Here, we have shared some insights into parenting about menstrual flow and bleeding.
Why teaching children about periods is crucial for every parent?
Before moving on to the way of carrying on the conversation about menstruation with children, let’s have a quick look at the importance of this talk. This way, you won’t neglect or ignore having the conversation with your child at an early age.
- Girls and boys should know that periods are not taboo. It is a natural and biological phenomenon that happens with every mammal or female mammal.
- The first menstruation is always overwhelming for girls, especially those who get the first period early than expected. Without prior knowledge, it becomes difficult for them to accept that the bleeding is not dangerous.
- Often boys make fun of girls when they get periods because of the lack of clarity about this concept. Therefore, every parent must ensure their children know this concept and understand the science behind it.
- Often “my first period” can lead to stress and mental depression if the situation is not handled carefully. Therefore, parents should talk with their kids, especially girls, to ensure they don’t enter the depressive phase.
How to process the conversation about periods with your child?
Now that you know the importance of talking about periods let’s look at how the conversation should flow without establishing awkwardness.
- First, as a parent, you must understand that it is not a taboo or a disease. It is a natural and biological phenomenon that continues reproduction for a species or race.
- If you or your partner harbor any belief that contradicts the science behind periods, it’s time to let those misconceptions go before you can teach your child that menstruation is a part of being female.
- Start with talking about the female reproductive system, like two ovaries or eggs, the monthly cycles, and so on. You don’t have to go into details about the cause of menstruation, like no fertilization.
- You have to tell them that the blood flow during the menstrual cycle is not harmful to the body or that no one will die because of that blood loss.
Conclusion
It is difficult to carry on with the menstrual cycle conversation with your kids. However, it is necessary; every parent should do this before the age when girls typically get their periods. This will help them mentally prepare themselves for a significant change in their physical health and accept that menstruation is a biological process, not a taboo.