How to Talk to Your Child About Periods – A Short Story

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Talking to kids about the inevitable physical change in their bodies makes most parents and kids uncomfortable, but it is the most crucial task assigned to parents. As kids need to be trusted and should be provided with the right and reliable information, who better than parents can do this job righteously! Talking to your child about periods for the very first time could be a tricky thing, but with little help and confidence, one can achieve it well.

A short story on Talking to your child about Periods for the very first time

Shantini was in the middle of her phone conversation when she saw her 9-year-old daughter Sumedha fiddling with a tampon packet. The same packet shopkeeper has just delivered promptly by wrapping it in a newspaper and then in a brown bag (as if it’s a weapon of mass destruction being smuggled through a border to destruct the peace and harmony of a nation) pun-intended.

Shantini took the packet from Sumedha’s hands and hid it under her Saree’s aanchal to take it inside the confines of her room. Stunned by her mom’s reactions Sumedha asked her granny –

“Dadi uss packet kya that?” (What was in that packet, grandmom?)

“Teri mummy ki davai”, her grandmother replied without blinking an eye from her favorite daily television drama. B

But now this little brain is racing at the speed of an F1 sports car engine equipped with extreme concern she went to Shantini’s room, and with teary eyes, she asked her mother, ‘Mumma aapko kya hua hai; why do you need medicine’. (mother, what is wrong with you, why do you need medicines)

‘Nothing child; let me go to the kitchen, it is late already and grandmom is waiting for her dinner.’ replied Shantini, dodging the little interrogator’s eyes.

With a whirlpool of questions inside her brain and concern for her mother’s health, Sumedha went to bed, but her curiosity made her restless.

In the morning she asked her father; “Papa what is wrong with mom, why is she taking medicine please tell me I love mom so much”. Riteish (her Dad) could not understand the origin of the question and hence look for some help from his wife.

Shantini came forward and told Sumedha – ‘nothing is wrong with me beta, I am all right. We will talk about this later when you come back from school, TRUST ME!‘ Shantini looked at her little daughter- who was eagerly finishing her cereal to catch up on the school bus, and thought how she’s grown so fast, it was like just yesterday when she conducted a home pregnancy test and when the two red lines shyly, swiftly confirmed her happiness. How she went to labor and got her own bundle of joy wrapped in pink happiness.

Sumedha became her life’s most precious gift, with her each milestone – her first word, first fallen tooth, her first step, first school, first achievement, her first girly fights, and many such firsts…. now she has to prepare Sumedha for her first PERIOD.

She finished up her daily chores and sat on the computer to search the expert advice on:

How to explain a girl child about her very first menstrual cycle – expert opinion only

talk about periods to your child

She read and researched the topic from reliable medical sites, presented journals, and kid-friendly books, and spoke to her friends to understand their point of view on the subject.

Some write-ups talk about the intense explanations of Uterus and Egg, whereas a few mention the hormonal changes. Taking a cue from the internet she made a mental plan to explain things in her own style and manner.

During their evening stroll by the park, she asked Sumedha to sit next to her by the bench and held her small hands in hers to explain, ‘Beta, you are almost 10 years of age now and you are my princess and dad’s little doll, but our bodies grow with time. See you are already as tall as I am!’ Sumedha felt so proud of the fact that she was going to be as big and smart as her mother.

Shantini added further, ‘When we grow many things happen inside our body, girls get fuller body….ummm… very soon you will notice a change in your body and we will have to buy new dresses for you.‘ As a kid, Sumedha was excited to know her wardrobe will upgrade and she will get to wear better clothes.

‘Not only the clothes, but you will also see a change in your interests, you might like to listen to pop music or start watching new programs on the television. This change is very common and happens to everyone. Even I am Dad went through this phase, and trust me it is a lovely experience.

As your body changes and gets ready for a bigger you, there will be little changes outside too. You will get some blood from your private parts, which is absolutely normal (even Mumma gets it); it’s a sign that our bodies are healthy and ready to enter the new phase of adulthood. Every month, your body will discharge some blood, which needs to be discarded away. So, when you see red spots on your underwear or clothes, don’t panic just tell Mumma, Dad, or your class teacher; if you are in school.

No need to be worried, or scared, this is absolutely normal.

Sumedha: Will it be painful, Mumma?

Shantini: Not that you can’t handle! Remember, when you fell down while playing football, and your knee was bleeding. You didn’t shed a single tear though I was scared. You kept smiling all the while, doctors were bandaging you. So, you are my strong girl, and it will not be painful to you, just a little uncomfortable in the beginning. Always remember, we are always with you – me, Dadi and Dad are always there to help you, sweetheart. 

Sumedha: Dad too!

Shantini: Yes of course, how he takes care of you when you get temperature or cold. Just in 5 days, you will be back in your regular routine. You can do all your regular activities, except only those which make you feel exhausted. You have to take care of your personal hygiene during these days, and I will explain to you how to use Sanitary Napkins/Pads to keep you dry and your clothes clean. You might get dull or feel low on energy, but that’s how our big bodies recharge themselves every month. 

From now on, we will be best friends forever…. you will share all your worries and doubts with me and I will do the same.

Reliving from all her doubts, Sumedha hugged her mother and said…Mumma, I love you. Shantini smiled and said you are my special princess, don’t get troubled by any unnecessary talks about this new change called “Menstruation” whenever you have doubts talk to me. Your mom is always here to help you out and always remember, bleeding is a healthy sign.

Writer’s thought:

It is up to the parents how to make this transformation occur happily and without any confusion for their children. It’s always good to explain and give the right information to our girls before the occurrence of the first Period, as young minds get confused with too much information from unreliable sources.

Thanks for reading, hope you like the idea of making this transition feel hassle-free for kids and parents alike. If you have any feedback please share it in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This blog post is written for MyCity4Kids Mumbai Chapter.

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