Period Talks With Kids: How Parents Can Address Doubts, Dismantle Myths Related To Menstruation

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Recently, a 30-year-old security guard in Thane, Maharashtra was arrested by Mumbai Police for allegedly killing his 12-year-old sister over suspicion of having a love affair with someone. After noticing the blood stains on her clothes, the man had a misunderstanding that his sister, who was having her first period, had had a physical relationship with someone, mentioned the officials.

Primary investigation revealed that the man allegedly tortured his sister by inflicting burn wounds on her body and when taken to hospital she was declared brought dead.

This incident has shocked the entire nation and made everyone, especially parents realise the importance of having period talk with kids.

According to UNICEF, every month, 1.8 billion people across the world menstruate and millions of these girls, women, transgender men and non-binary persons suffer and face stigma, harassment and social exclusion during menstruation due to gender inequality, cultural taboos, poverty, discriminatory social norms, and lack of basic services like toilets and sanitary products. As a result, they are not able to manage their periods in a healthy, dignified way.

Should women bleed secretly then or we can reclaim the stain, address the doubts and dismantle myths around periods for once and all?

What Is Menstruation?
According to the nhs.uk website, a period is the part of the menstrual cycle when normal vaginal bleeding occurs for a few days as a part of a woman's monthly cycle. For most women, this happens every 28 days or so, but it's common for periods to be more or less frequent than this, ranging from every 23 days to every 35 days. Your period can last between 2 and 7 days, but it will usually last for about 5 days.

In the first 2 days, the bleeding tends to be heaviest and the blood will be red, however, on lighter days it is either pink or brown. During your period, you'll lose about 20 to 90ml (about 1 to 5 tablespoons) of blood, although some women can bleed more heavily than this.

How Parents Can Have Period Talks With Kids

Whenever a person is behaving in a sensitive, aggressive or sharp manner, people jokingly say that they are PMS-ing or menstruating. What is understood as subtle humour can be extremely discriminatory for people who menstruate, especially in developing nations.

Menstruating people are not only verbally shamed, but they are also called 'dirty' and 'unclean' when they are on their periods. In some places, they are deprived of certain foods, forced to sleep on grounds, and asked to refrain from religious rituals like visiting temples and more. Apart from these, they also face physical problems like a lack of access to sanitation supplies. This results in lower quality of life.

Therefore, it is extremely crucial for parents to be more open with their kids, especially when they are reaching the age of menstruation or about to have their first period. This can not only prepare them mentally but will help them to discuss their fears openly.

We have listed five ways in which parents, guardians or caregivers can start a discussion about periods with the children.

1. Ask Your Child About Periods First
Surely, your kids have come across sanitary napkins commercials on TV or social and therefore, it is the right time to seize the opportunity and ask them about it. What do they know about menstruation, the doubts they have and if anyone in their school or friend circle ever talked about it? The idea is to not make a big deal out of it and approach it in a way that the kid feels relaxed and comfortable while discussing it, even if it feels a bit awkward. Answer their queries as honestly as possible, this will help them to be more open around the topic.

2. Make Them Understand How It Feels During Periods
You can mention the tummy ache while explaining period cramps. This approach is useful because children will be able to relate to their experience of menstruation and how they feel while on their periods. Also, this will allow you to understand how aware they are or whether or not they have the correct information. Your child should know about periods irrespective of the fact that they can menstruate or not.

3. Do Not Focus On Just Negative Aspects Of Periods
Even though it is important to explain to the kids about the pain, nausea and cramps that come with periods each month, it is essential that you let them know how to deal with them as well. The idea is not to scare them but to prepare them enough so that they can handle the situation on their own. Address the doubts and you can also share the household hacks, medicines and hygiene products that they can use for their relief.

4. Address The Doubts To Dismantle Period Myths
Even as adults some cannot differentiate between facts and myths when it comes to menstruation. Therefore, it is possible that your children may have heard similar myths and believe them to be true. So, it is the responsibility of parents to free them from beliefs that are absurd and not true. Discussing the topic openly with children will not only reduce the stigma around menstruation but for future generations, normal bodily functions won't become taboo and free them from all kinds of discrimination.

5. Talk About Responsibly Using Period Products
Parents must inform children about period products even if they haven't started bleeding. There are numerous products in the market and therefore, parents can help kids to identify the one best for their kids, will make them feel comfortable, is sustainable in the long run and above all is eco friendly. They can also discuss how not properly disposing of the period products can contribute to hazardous waste and what green alternatives they can use instead. Talk to them about using products like tampons and menstrual cups instead of opting for sanitary napkins.

Myths, taboos and stigmas hinder the opportunity of children and adults alike when it comes to learning about menstruation and develop habits that are healthy. Due to this, they also miss out of normal experiences and actives as children. Period talks are essential irrespective of someone's gender so that our society can become more inclusive and empathetic one when it comes to menstruation.