Talking openly about periods with kids - Where to begin?
Let’s be real: periods are no big deal. And it’s essential your child learns this early so they don’t stress over what’s completely natural. This is a conversation worth getting right, but you don’t need to be anxious. Treat it like any other chat about health and the body, because that’s exactly what it is. You’re already a pro at frank talk, so let’s dive into how to approach period conversations with your child or teen in a healthy, positive, and stigma-free way.
When should I start the conversation?
There’s no hard-and-fast rule for when to begin talking about periods with your children (yes, even kids who won’t menstruate need to know this stuff). Often, they’ll bring it up themselves - especially if they spot a menstrual cup or pad and ask, “What’s that?” That’s your cue to start an open, honest dialogue.
If your child is around seven and hasn’t asked yet, it’s time to gently introduce the topic. While the average age for starting menstruation is 12, some kids begin puberty as early as eight. Talking about periods before they arrive ensures your child feels informed and empowered, not confused or scared.
Pro tip: Pack a few period products in their school bag so they’re never caught off guard.
Which period product should I give my child?
It depends on what your child or teen feels comfortable using. Younger kids often prefer pads, as tampons can feel intimidating at first. If your child has already started their period, a menstrual cup is a fantastic option especially for teens who play sports or want longer protection without leaks. Using a menstrual cup requires a basic understanding of anatomy. If your teen isn’t keen on chatting about body parts with you (understandable), hand them our Anatomy guide to explore on their own or read together.
How should I talk about menstruation?
The number one thing to get right: use the correct terminology for body parts and processes. Why? If you sugarcoat this discussion with euphemisms like ‘time of the month’, ‘down there’ or ‘the curse’, your child is going to get all kinds of mixed messages.
While these terms can be fun to use as an adult, they perpetuate the idea that periods are bad, scary and something to hide. Use them around your chicks and they might develop an unhealthy attitude towards their periods and their bodies - not good.
Here’s an example of what you could say instead:
“Every month, people with a uterus bleed from their vagina. It’s called a period. Menstrual products are used to catch the blood so it doesn’t go on your knickers.”
Of course, it’s not just girls that have periods. Transgender boys, agender people, non-binary people, and cisgender women can all bleed from their uterus. If you want to chat about this with your child, why not read this article together? It tells you everything you need to know about periods and gender.
Do you need to keep things ‘age appropriate?’
This is a phrase you need not fear. As long as you use the right terms for all things bodily, there’s no need to worry about saying too much - especially when it comes to periods.
As Bonnie J. Rough, author of Beyond Birds and Bees: Bringing Home a New Message to Our Kids About Sex, Love, and Equality puts it:
"Children are very curious. Make use of that. Don’t be afraid you’ll say too much: a child grasps only what they’re ready for."
If you’re still uneasy, check out AMAZE’s age guide for language complexity for further direction.
Does it have to be one big talk?
Nope. In fact, it’s much better to treat period talk with your children as a series of conversations. This way it doesn’t feel like one big scary moment. Also, discussion is great but active normalization is heaps better. Periods are an accepted part of everyday human life and getting this message across is everything.
Hint: you could leave a menstrual cup or a pack of tampons in plain sight, rather than hiding them away in a bathroom cupboard. You could also talk about your own cycle to show you’re 100% comfortable with periods (remember to keep the language positive to avoid causing fear or confusion).
Empowering your kids with period positivity is powerful. You’re helping them build a healthy relationship with their bodies and with others. By normalizing menstruation and breaking down stigma, you’re making space for informed, confident, and compassionate future adults. And that’s a legacy worth bleeding for.
photo: courtesy of Pinterest
