PERIODS

Question #1: When is it appropriate to start talking to my kids about periods?

Answer #1: It's appropriate to talk to any kid about periods whenever! There's no magic time and hard. And actually, the earlier they learn about period basics, the better!

Question #2: When does my kid NEED to know what periods are?

Answer #2: Kids NEED To know about periods before they or any of their friends get their first period. This is important for two reasons: 

1. You want them to be prepared and not be taken off guard when their first period comes. 
2. You want them to have the medically accurate facts from you, rather than learning about it from another kid (who most likely doesn't completely know what’s going on).

If you're looking for a concrete number, I recommend that by eight your kid has a basic understanding of periods.

A Script for Talking to Your Kids About Periods

• (Start with a question. Let them answer and be sure to take note of any misconceptions that you'll need to correct) - "What do you know about periods?"  
  
  
• (Intro) "I just wanted to make sure you know what a period is and that you're (or your sibling/cousin/friend) going to start having one soon.
  
  Periods are a normal and natural part of life. They are a sign that the body is working well and doing what it's supposed to do."
  
  
• (Explanation of Periods) - Here's a quick explanation of what exactly a period is:
  
  
  • "After you hit puberty, your body is constantly preparing for pregnancy. This process of preparing for pregnancy is called the menstrual cycle. It’s called a cycle because your body keeps repeating the same process. Part of this process/cycle is the period."
    
    
  • "During your menstrual cycle, an egg matures in one of the ovaries. As the egg matures, the lining of the uterus thickens so that it can support a pregnancy. After the egg has matured it is released in the Fallopian tube and begins to travel towards the uterus.
    
    It will take about 24 hours to get to the uterus. Once it gets to the uterus, if the egg has not been fertilized, it will not implant into the wall of the uterus. If not fertilized egg implants into the wall, the body signals that it is not pregnant and that the lining of the uterus needs to shed. The lining then breaks down and leaves the body as blood and tissue through the vagina and vagina opening. This bleeding is what we refer to as a period."
    
    
  • Click here to download printables of the sexual and reproductive anatomy! 
    
    
• (Specifics on Bleeding) - The amount that a person bleeds and how long they bleed for varies from person to person. (Tell them what your average is). A person may lose 30 - 60 ml or 2 04 tablespoons of blood. And bleeding can last from two - eight days. (Be sure to tell them that amount of blood (a.k.a. their flow) will change from day-to-day. 

Videos Related to The Period Talk

• How to Talk To Your Kids About: Ovulation
• How to Talk To Your Kid About: Erections and Ejaculation
• How to Talk To Your Kid About: Pregnancy

Explainer + Tutorial Videos

• Period Underwear
• Pads
• Tampons
• Period Cups

Product Recommendations

(Most of these links are affiliate links*. I only share affiliate links for the products I use on a regular basis. *Affiliate links just mean that I get a small commission if you purchase something, it doesn't cost you anything extra!) 

Period Underwear

• Thinx for All (economical option at Target and London Drugs) - I haven't used these but I own a pair for demonstrating to students. 
• Thinx (Get $10 off with this link) - I've been using these for 3.5 years and LOOOOVE them. 
• BTWN by Thinx for pre-teens and teens (Get $10 off with this link) - I haven't used the BTWN by Thinx but I do own a set of Thinx that I love. I believe they're the same technology just different shapes and sizes. 
• Knix (Get $15 off with this link)- I've been using these for the past 6 months. I like them but prefer the Thinx.
• KT by Knix for pre-teens and teens (Get 20% off with this link) - I haven't used the teen-specific underwear but I own a set of Knix period underwear. 

Period Swimwear

• Ruby Love - I haven't tried these myself, so I won't share an affiliate link here. 

Pads

• Always Flex Foam Pads - I use and love these!

Period Cup

• The Diva Cup - I also use and love the Diva Cup!

Period Tracking App

• Flo - I just use the free version of the app. 

Checklist of what kids need to be prepared for their first period!

1. They need to know what what's going to happen and that periods are completely normal and natural.
   
   
2. They need to know hat each product is and how to use it. 
   
   
3. They need to have access to period protects and be well-stocked at home and school (and anywhere else they may be). 

Here's my period bag checklist: 

• Pads - Always Flex Foam Pads
• Tampons
• Extra underwear (regular)
• Extra period underwear (if using) - Thinx, BTWN by Thinx, Knix, KT by Knix
• Extra pair of black shorts/leggings (because they will need it at some point)
• A wet bag to put any blood-stained clothes - Something like this bag (I love that this brand has sooo many fun designs, there's definitely one your kid will like!). 

Bonus: Idefinity who at school can help them if they have a period emergency. 

I recommend teaching them everything you teach a kid who will have a period.

I also think it's very important to set firm behavioral expectations, such as:

• No period teasing and bully 
• Be a helpful friend/sibling/cousin