Talking about periods with your kids might seem a little awkward at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you have a daughter about to experience her first cycle or a son who needs to understand what his sister, classmates or future partner might go through, you’ll want to have this conversation.
Start Early and Keep It Simple
You don’t have to wait until your child is on the brink of puberty to start talking about periods. In fact, starting early can normalize the conversation. You can introduce the idea when they’re young, using simple, age-appropriate language. For younger kids, you can explain that periods happen as girls grow up and are a natural part of life. The average girl will menstruate once a month until they reach menopause.
For example, you might say, “When girls grow older, their bodies start preparing for the possibility of having a baby one day. A period is when blood comes out of the body to show it’s getting ready.” This way, it won’t feel like a huge, intimidating topic when the time comes for a deeper discussion.
Make Sure They Know You’re Not Judging
When discussing periods, creating an open and nonjudgmental environment is essential. Your child should feel comfortable asking questions without embarrassment. Tell them it’s normal to feel curious or confused and encourage them to share any thoughts.
Let them know it may be a little weird to talk about, but it’s a normal part of growing up and something every young girl will eventually experience. Make sure they know they can always come to you with any questions or concerns.
Use Correct Terminology
While it might be tempting to use nicknames or euphemisms for menstruation, using the correct terminology helps demystify the process. Say “period” instead of “that time of the month,” and use words like “menstruation,” “uterus” and “ovulation” as needed. This helps your child understand their body and removes any stigma or shame associated with these terms.
Prepare for the Practical Side
Once your daughter is closer to the age of experiencing periods, it’s important to cover the practical details. Most girls start their periods at about 12 or 13 years old, but some will experience it as young as 9, so it’s crucial to have this conversation early.
Talk about how to use pads, tampons or menstrual cups, what to do if they get their period unexpectedly, how to deal with uncomfortable symptoms and how to track their cycle. Remind them to always carry some hygiene products in their school bag, just in case it starts while they’re not at home.
Talk to Boys About Periods, Too
Boys need to understand periods just as much as girls do. Teaching boys about menstruation fosters empathy and respect for the people in their lives who experience it. Plus, it helps eliminate the myths and misconceptions that often surround periods. This kind of inclusiveness breaks down the taboo and empowers both boys and girls to feel comfortable talking about periods.
Normalize Their Feelings and Symptoms
Your child might’ve heard about mood swings or cramps and may be worried about how a period will feel. It’s important to let them know that periods affect everyone differently, and while some girls may experience discomfort, others might not.
Approximately half of women experience period cramps, so let them know they’re not alone and give them some tips and tricks to deal with it. Heating pads and herbal teas can be great natural remedies for pain. Be open about the physical and emotional changes that come with periods, and let your daughter know there are ways to manage them.
Check In and Keep the Conversation Going
The period talk isn’t a one-and-done deal. You’ll want to check in with your child over time to see how they’re feeling and if they have any new questions. As they get older, they might want more detailed information or need support navigating their cycle. By keeping the conversation open, you’re showing them that it’s not a taboo subject, and they’ll feel more comfortable coming to you when they need help.
Make Period Talks a Normal Part of Growing Up
Talking about periods with your kids doesn’t have to be uncomfortable — it’s all about creating an open, supportive environment where they feel safe asking questions and learning. By having this talk, you’re helping your child feel confident and prepared for this natural part of life.
Mia Barnes is a professional freelance writer who specializes in family and children’s wellness. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of the online health publication, Body+Mind magazine.
Resources for Explaining Periods to Your Child
- A Kids Book About Periods by Jessica Biel is targeted at ages 7-9 and uses a minimalist style to let anyone imagine themselves in the words on the page. The book is designed to encourage children to have conversations with their adults about questions around the topic.
- PERIOD: The Quick Guide to Every Uterus. This humorous four-color graphic novel from Mayo Clinic Press Kids “embraces all the icky, all the sticky, and all the confusing aspects of the monthly cycle … in a no-judgment zone.”
- Why Do Girls Get Periods? is an installment of the Dr. Binocs show on Peekaboo Kidz that provides an animated explanation of periods in a child- friendly animated style.
- The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods by Robyn Steward is written by an autistic author, providing information on the effects of periods, how to manage them and special advice for handling the experience with the added layer of being autistic.
- Kids Talk Periods is a video that depicts some children learning about periods for the first time and provides a humorous look at how there’s no need to be embarrassed, as everyone needs to learn somewhere.
Liam McCrickard holds a B.A. in creative and professional writing from Goucher College. He is former assistant editor at Washington Parent. He works as a freelance designer, writer and editor of tabletop role-playing games.
Mia Barnes is a professional freelance writer who specializes in family and children’s wellness. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of the online health publication, Body+Mind magazine.
