🔴 keep the menstrual conversation flowing 🔴

Body image, sexuality, strength in the face of societal and peer pressure. Raising kids is a tough job! Add the daunting task of fighting against the menstruation taboo to your #parentinggoals and you’ve got your work cut out for you.

Now, Raising period positive kids (boys included) doesn’t necessarily have to be challenging, however. With the right tools and a positive mindset, teaching your kids to view menstruation as it really is - a healthy, normal part of life - will be far easier than teaching them to drive. By not shutting your child down when you’re presented with these sometimes awkward-feeling moments, you let them know that it’s okay to ask questions and talk openly about their bodies. One of the most effective ways to dismantle the centuries-old stigma placed on menstruation is to take back the conversation about it. By being open about periods - in both a general sense and in a personal sense - you help lift the veil of secrecy on what should be a very normal topic. With less secrecy comes more questions, more teachable moments, and more honesty. Your kids will grow up thinking (correctly) that menstruation is as normal a discussion as what’s for dinner 😉 Vagina. Uterus. Vulva. Period. The language you use when it comes to period talk matters greatly. If you grew up calling your genitals your "private parts", like I did, it may feel slightly clinical to use the anatomically correct names with your kids. Using the correct terms for body parts and bodily functions shouldn’t feel shameful. In fact, it’s a lot more uncomfortable to try to convince your child that your vagina isn’t part of your butt. Trust me.

Although society often deems words like vagina or penis as unacceptable for public conversation, cutesy and nonsensical nicknames, like cupcake or hoo-ha, can subconsciously create a sense of shame around body parts that are absolutely not shameful. This societal taboo surrounding the use of proper anatomical terms can lead to a lack of understanding and discomfort when discussing essential aspects of human biology. By embracing and normalizing the use of accurate terminology from a young age, we can empower individuals to have a healthy relationship with their bodies and foster open communication about important topics.

Encouraging children to use the correct terms for their body parts not only promotes a sense of self-awareness and confidence but also eliminates the stigma associated with discussing natural bodily functions. When it comes to menstruation, using positive and accurate language is crucial in breaking down barriers and challenging societal taboos. By sharing period-related stories openly and without shame, we can contribute to the normalization of menstruation as a natural and essential part of life.

Addressing menstruation goes beyond just using the right words; it involves examining our own biases and challenging internalized shame surrounding reproductive health. Improving menstrual literacy and promoting discussions about the value and power of this knowledge can empower individuals, especially women, to take control of their health and well-being.

Empowering women to speak openly about menstruation and reproductive health can have a profound impact on their lives. By creating a supportive environment for conversations about menstruation, we can foster a sense of community and understanding that transcends societal taboos and stereotypes.

As we embark on this journey towards destigmatizing menstruation, it is essential to prioritize comprehensive and empowering menstrual education for young people. Starting this education early, from primary school through university, ensures that individuals have the knowledge and confidence to navigate menstruation with ease and dignity. By providing a continuum of menstrual education across different educational stages, we can equip young individuals with the tools they need to embrace their bodies and advocate for their health.