Menstruation has long been a topic shrouded in mystery, silence, and sometimes even shame in many societies. However, it is an integral part of the life cycle and deserves to be discussed with openness and kindness. As a parent, you may feel uncomfortable discussing the subject with your children, but this conversation is essential to breaking down stigmas and normalizing this natural process.
Adopting a positive discourse on menstruation allows you to build your child’s confidence and help them better understand their bodies, or those of others, without judgment. This article will guide you through the reasons why it is important to discuss menstruation with your children, and will give you practical advice on how to approach the subject in a calm and constructive way.
1. Why is it important to talk about menstruation?
Breaking the Stigma
Menstruation is still too often surrounded by shame and embarrassment, which can affect the way young people (and adults) perceive it. By talking about it openly, you are helping to break down these stigmas. Your child will understand that menstruation is neither dirty nor embarrassing, but a natural function of the body. This change in perception helps to reduce the anxiety or shame that many feel about it.
Promote better education
Children who grow up knowing more about their bodies and those of others are better prepared to experience or understand menstruation. By discussing menstruation before your child starts experiencing it, you are helping them to approach this stage in a more serene way. They will know what to expect and will have less reason to feel scared or surprised by the natural changes in the body.
Building trust
Talking about menstruation in an open and positive way shows your child that it’s a topic they can talk about without fear. This builds trust between you. If your child feels like they can talk to you about this sensitive topic, they’ll be more likely to come to you to discuss other aspects of their health and growth.
2. When to start talking about menstruation
Adapt to age
It’s important to talk about menstruation at the right time, based on your child’s age and development. You don’t have to wait until puberty to start talking about it. As soon as they start asking questions about bodies or gender differences, that’s a good time to introduce the topic. Young children can understand simple concepts like “girls’ bodies change as they grow” without going into complex details.
Signs to watch for
If your child starts asking questions about the human body, shows interest in puberty, or notices menstrual products around the house, this is a great time to open up the discussion. It’s best to be proactive in answering their questions before the information comes from inaccurate or biased sources. The more open you are, the more comfortable your child will feel about discussing the topic with you.
3. How to have a positive and inclusive conversation
Use neutral and caring language
Word choice is essential to creating a positive discussion. Use simple, neutral, and non-derogatory language. For example, avoid terms like “it’s dirty” or “it’s embarrassing,” and instead use expressions that value the body and how it works, like “it’s mommy’s inner winter” or “menstruation is a sign that the body is functioning well.” This helps normalize menstruation and make it a topic that can be discussed freely.
Integrating gender education
Menstruation is not just about girls. It is important that all children, regardless of their gender, understand this natural process. Boys also need to be educated so that they do not perceive menstruation as something strange or taboo. By explaining to all your children what menstruation is, you help to develop better empathy and deconstruct gender stereotypes around this subject.
Answering questions
It is natural for children to ask questions, sometimes very direct ones. Do not avoid them and answer them honestly. If you do not know the answer, do not hesitate to say that you will find out the information together. This shows your child that there is no shame in wanting to know more and that menstruation is a subject like any other. The more comfortable you are with the subject, the more comfortable your child will be too.
4. Resources and tools to facilitate discussion
Books adapted to each age
There are many books for children that address menstruation and bodily changes in a simple and reassuring way. Looking for books adapted to your child's age is a great way to start a conversation. These books allow you to introduce the subject in a light and de-dramatized way.
We recommend:
- C’est beau, le rouge by Lucia Zamola
- Ma première fois, a collective directed by Geneviève Morin
- Le petit illustré de l'intimité by Mathilde Baudy and Tiphaine Dieumegard
- Les règles, quelle aventure! by Mirion Malle and Élise Thiébaut
- Les règles de l'amitié : #sangtabou by Karen Schneemann and Lily Williams
Web and media content
Today, many educational videos and interactive applications are available to help parents explain menstruation. These resources provide visual aids and fun explanations that can capture children's attention and help them better understand what's happening in their bodies.
We recommend:
- The film Red Alert, produced by Pixard (2022)
- This article by Sarah Bisson
- This file from CHUSJ
Creative activities
If you prefer a more interactive format, you can organize fun activities to make the discussion more fun. For example, you could draw the different stages of the menstrual cycle together or use everyday objects to explain what's happening in the body. Making this discussion fun and creative can help reduce tensions around the subject.
Talking positively about menstruation with your children is an essential step in breaking taboos and normalizing this natural process. By initiating these discussions early and adopting caring language, you allow your child to grow up understanding their body or that of others without fear or shame. The more you open the dialogue, the more comfortable your child will be talking to you about their experiences and concerns in the future.
So why wait? Start talking about this important topic today to build an environment where menstrual health is seen as a strength, not a burden!