5 Important Things To Discuss When Talking To Your Child About Menstruation

When your child is on the verge of menstruation it presents a unique opportunity to hear their perspective and get them comfortable talking about their bodies. Beyond basic anatomy and physiology your period conversation with your child may be an ideal time to address a few other ideas like sexual myths, body image, and gender identity. If you need ideas on what to include in your period discussion with them. Keep reading for a few talking points worth mentioning.

1- Discuss the importance of using organic personal care products:

Raise your child’s awareness about alternatives to synthetic products with chemicals and unknown toxins. Encourage them to choose organic personal products like pads, pantyliners, and tampons. Yonitox menstrual care products are made with cotton grown without any chemical insecticides and pesticides; they are free of commercially grown cotton, synthetic rayon and artificial fragrances. Let your daughter know why you choose organic feminine care and share the powerful implications for that choice. Then make it easy for them to consistently use organic feminine products by having them delivered to their doorstep each month. Yonitox offers a monthly subscription of organic pads, tampons, and pantyliners so your child never has to worry about not having them.

2-Shatter inappropriate sexual myths about tampons use:

There are options when it comes to personal care. Do not sexualize the use of tampons warns Erin Palmer Family Nurse Practioner (FNP-BC) of Washington, D.C. The myth that tampons take away a girls virginity by tearing their hymen is not true. While tampon usage may tear the delicate hymen other activities may do so as well. A hymen tear is not an indicator of a person’s virginity. Tampon usage is a matter of preference. Palmer advises parents to consider the age and maturity of their child when deciding if they are ready to use tampons.  Palmer shares “Instead of over sexualizing tampons parents should focus on hygiene.” Teach your child to remove tampons at regularly scheduled intervals, so they consistently change them at the right time.

3-Promote Body Positivity and Speaking Up:

Help your child feel comfortable talking about her body. Encourage her to talk about the changes she is experiencing and help her to advocate for her needs. Talk to your child about vaginal discharge and help her understand it is a normal part of vaginal health. Reiterate to your daughter that she didn’t do anything wrong to cause her vaginal discharge and to speak up if she has concerns.

4- Addressing Gender Identity:

Discussing menstruation with a female daughter that identifies as another gender may take on intricacies only the parties involved can understand. Palmer suggests talking to your child about their preferences.  For example if the word “feminine” care makes your child cringe you may want to use an alternative to eliminate conflict.  The focus of the conversation might need to center on the anatomy and physiology of what’s happening inside the body and not society’s world view. These details can help keep healthy boundaries in place and promote meaningful conversation.

5- Talk to Your Sons:

Discussions of menstruation are often delegated to women and young girls but talking to your sons about it also has it benefits, like helping them develop a healthy understanding of the process. Share with your son why women use organic pads and tampons to help dispel any negative myths that they may come encounter with on social media and within their peer groups.  

Choose non-toxic Yonitox feminine care products each month for your daughter. Our simple ingredients help protect the delicate vaginal area with straightforward feminine care and ingredients that are clearly labeled. Our subscription service also gives you freedom to never have to worry about if you have enough pads or tampons at home.