Working as a sexologist at Sexpressions, a lot of people ask me how to talk to young people about periods and menstrual products. One thing I’ve learned from this is that parents and guardians are often more worried about these talks than kids! Hopefully some tips can help!
Don’t wait! Talk about periods as they come up.
There’s a big idea that “the talk” needs to be one big sit down conversation. But the truth is that it should be discussed like any other subject, where you talk about it when it comes up! For instance, if your kids find your menstrual care products, that’s a perfect way to start the conversation! Anything can be explained in an age-appropriate way. You then add to their knowledge as they get older. Other great times to bring up the “period talk” is when you overhear people talking about periods, see commercials about menstruation, or see menstrual products in a store. All wonderful times to discuss!
Ask what they’ve heard.
When the subject comes up, it’s often hard to gauge what they have heard about menstruation, good and bad. When periods come up, a good way to start a conversation is by asking what they’ve heard about periods and products like the DivaCup. This lets you know where to start, and might bring up some misinformation that you can correct.
Give them a plan for the first time.
The first time a girl starts her period can be especially scary. Many girls worry it will happen at the worst possible time! It just might happen that way, but you can help calm them by giving them information in advance. Chances are they won’t bleed a lot the first time and if they are prepared on what to do, it will help ease the anxiety.
Give space when they need it.
Sometimes, the last thing that kids want to do is talk about puberty with their parents or guardians. This can be for a variety of reasons, and it helps to not take this personally! If this does happen, you can explain why it’s important to talk about it and perhaps explain that there is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. You can also start by simply giving them some books and cool teen-friendly sites, like www.sexualityandyou.ca, to check out.
Talk about the options.
Having a first period can be an amazingly exciting experience for some, and a worrisome one for others. But when girls have information about what is normal and what is healthy, it helps!
Remember that pads, tampons and menstrual cups like the DivaCup can sound scary at first. Many girls are uncomfortable with their genitals especially when so much is changing at once. On top of that the thought of putting something inside their body might sound gross or painful to them. Talking them through their options with patience, will help girls grow more comfortable with their changing bodies.
Stephanie Mitelman, M.A., CSE
Stephanie is Montreal’s only AASECT certified sexuality educator and a national trainer on issues of sexual health and youth sexuality. She teaches at McGill and Concordia Universities and is a founding member of The Sexual Health Network of Quebec. In 2000, she started Sexpressions, which offers sexual health resources and training for teachers and front-line healthcare workers. She also regularly trains and consults in Aboriginal communities across Canada and on sex education, and specializes in working with youth with special needs. Visit Sexpressions.ca today to learn more!
