Tag: menstruation

There are topics that we are uncomfortable talking about, even though they are a normal part of our lives. This certainly includes the first period talk. Am I right?

Below you can find some useful tips that will come in handy during this conversation:

When is the right time to talk about menstruation?

Start the conversation as soon as possible. I definitely recommend that you don’t wait until the last moment and start talking about the changes the body goes through during menstruation only right before or even after your child’s first period.

Likewise, don’t plan just one conversation in which you’ll blurt out everything you know about menstruation. Start the conversation several times and each time introduce a different topic (body changes, period product alternatives…)

period panties, talk about period

A positive view of menstruation

Although it’s 2022, society still views menstruation as something dirty and annoying. The key is to present children with menstruation in a positive light and emphasize that it is something completely natural and even beautiful.

Be concise

I don’t think teenagers are interested in long answers to already awkward questions, so keep your answers short, clear and point out the real facts. You can also share your personal experience.

period panties talk about period

Workshop

It might also be a good idea for a teen to visit a period workshop. A person who is no stranger to menstrual conversations creates a safe space where a group of peers can discuss menstruation in a positive light, while also addressing fears and shame and eliminating them with the help of appropriate education.

Some key pointers

Here, of course, you don’t need to present all the useful information at once. It will be enough if you start with tips such as: how to use e.g. inserts (you can also present different sizes).

Be careful to present these instructions in a positive light.

Of course, you can say that menstruation is often accompanied by a painful stomach, sensitive breasts… but also emphasize that there is a simple solution for these symptoms – a warm hot water bottle, herbal tea or (in more severe cases) painkillers

Did you know that in many cultures, women are considered unclean when they have their period, are even forbidden to enter certain buildings while on their period and are socially excluded or even exiled from their homes?

Yes, period taboos are, unfortunately, still alive and thriving in 2022.

False beliefs surrounding menstruation create an environment where women are deprived of their fundamental rights to their hygiene and health as they prefer to keep silent when it comes to this topic.

 

Why is period still a taboo?

 

The first period is a scary ordeal too often.


Even in societies that see themselves as progressive, menstruation still remains a taboo topic.

In this case, I speak from personal experience. Allow me to tell you a story:

A couple of weeks ago I took my daughter out (treated her to a nice dessert) to celebrate her first period.

I also posted (a now infamous) TikTok video of the two pieces of cake each of us chose while explaining that we are celebrating my daughter’s 1. period.

 

 

In less than a day this video attracted a slew of comments!

Most of them insisting that such content is horrible / discussing and that both of us should feel ashamed – me for bad parenting and my daughter for tolerating this kind of behavior. Video:

@lalicupmenstrualcup

Žur za prvo menstruacijo #LaliCup #prvamenstruacija #menstruacija #tortica#puberteta #menstrualnaskodelica

♬ Yummy – Justin Bieber

 


This made me realize that our society still has a lot of work to do when it comes to period.

Workshop


After that, I came to the conclusion that the best way to stop the cycle of shame is to start educating the new generations about how period is a perfectly natural occurrence and is nothing to be ashamed of.

That is why I started playing with an idea about workshops for teens that are just about to get their first period.

I would like to create a safe space for a group of peers where we can discuss periods in a positive light while also talking about our fears and explaining them away.

What do you think about this little project? Would you come?