How to Talk to Children About Periods

For many parents, talking about periods can feel awkward or a little daunting, we get it, especially if you have grown up with shame (knowingly or unknowingly) around your own body/menstruation. 

The conversation matters: 

UK research suggests those with a uterus/assigned female at birth) typically start menstruating between 12 and 13 years old, with many beginning between ages 11 and 14, which means children need to hear about periods before they are likely to experience them themselves. We have heard nightmare stories of children thinking they were dying when their period arrived as they had absolutely no idea what it was!  We’re hopeful that between parenting and the education system now that this is not something any child should experience but let's give you a helping hand to approach this topic. 

And why the boys and Dads need to be in on it too. 

These conversations do not need to be dramatic or complicated. When children hear about periods early, calmly, and in plain language, they are more likely to feel prepared, confident, and less embarrassed when their own body starts changing.

The best approach is to begin early, keep the conversation super casual, and build on it as children grow. 

Period education works best when it is treated as part of a wider conversation about puberty and body changes, rather than as a one-off “big talk.” 

We love a period-positive approach, encouraging honest, inclusive, shame-free conversations about menstruation for all children. 

Start early and keep it simple

You do not need to wait until a child is close to their first period before bringing it up. In fact, it is better to start with short, age-appropriate explanations when children are still young. Personally, this came a lot sooner for mine, as my dear clingers would follow me into the bathroom and it was just something I openly told them… I figured if I told them they didnt need to know, or hid it and scurried them out it would make them feel it was something dirty or to be ashamed of.

Around age 7 or 8, many children are ready to understand that bodies change as they grow, and that some people will have periods as part of puberty.

At this stage, you can keep the explanation simple…

• “As some people grow up, their bodies go through changes.”
• “A period is a normal part of growing up for people with a vulva”
• “It’s one way the body changes during puberty, which is when you’re a bit older”

We can talk about puberty as when you grow hair on your body, breasts, your voice starts to sound deeper, etc 

The aim is not to overwhelm them with detail, but to make the subject normal and familiar. As kids often take their cues from adults, if you sound calm and matter-of-fact, they are more likely to feel calm too.

Use clear, accurate language

One of the most helpful things parents can do is use real words. Say “period,” “menstrual cycle,” “vulva,” and “pad” rather than relying on vague euphemisms. Clear language helps children understand what you mean, and it also reduces shame and confusion. Many women don’t know the correct terms for their anatomy or cycle, so perhaps familiar yourself with those too.

The message should be that menstruation can be discussed with the same honesty and simplicity as any other bodily function. That means avoiding jokes, secrecy, or awkward code words that make periods seem embarrassing or mysterious. Not only does this add to stigma and shame that already exists, but its confusing for kids, who when asked…just want to understand the truth. 

You might say:

• “A period is when blood leaves the body from the vagina.”
• “Periods are a normal part of puberty.”
• “Not everyone has periods, but lots of people do.”
• “It’s okay to talk about this openly.”

Using plain language is especially important because children often have questions that they are too shy to ask unless the subject already feels safe.

Conversation starters that feel natural

You do not need to wait for a formal moment. Often the best conversations happen casually, in the car, while shopping, or when a child asks a question about bodies or growing up. I know I have personally discussed all sorts in the car and during walks, I actually remember specifically having a conversation around periods in a cubicle in a busy M&S toilet while sharing it with my 5 year old. Many parents I’m sure will have had similar loud public questions that they have to face. ILuckily this is my job so I went with a calm and factual approach with a smile to listening ears as I left the cubicle.

Here are some simple conversation starters:

• “Have you heard the word period before?”
• “Do you know what happens in the body during puberty?”
• “Would you like me to explain what periods are?”
• “Bodies change as they grow, and periods are one of those changes.”
• “If you ever notice bleeding, you can always come and talk to me.”

For younger children, you may only need a few sentences. For older children, you can add more detail about the menstrual cycle, how long periods last, and what products people use to manage them.

Build the conversation as children get older

A good way to think about period education is as a series of small conversations that grow with your child. It not a one and done situation.

Ages 6 to 8

Focus on body basics and normalising change. This is the stage for simple explanations:

• Bodies grow and develop at different rates.
• Some people have periods when they go through puberty/get older.
• Periods are normal and nothing to be embarrassed about.

Ages 9 to 11

Add more detail about what periods actually are and what they look like in real life:

• What menstrual blood is.
• How often periods usually happen.
• How long a period might last.
• What period products are used for.

At this stage, it can also help to explain that everyone’s experience is different. Some children will be curious, some will be embarrassed, and some will not seem interested at all until they need the information.

Early teens

By the time children are approaching or entering puberty, they usually need more practical information:

• How to track periods.
• What cramps feel like.
• What is normal and what is not.
• When to speak to a trusted adult.
• How periods connect to the wider menstrual cycle and reproduction.

This is also the right time to explain that very heavy, painful, or irregular periods should not simply be ignored. Children should know that they can ask for help.

Include boys and all children

Period education is not just for girls. Boys and non-menstruating children also benefit from understanding how the menstrual cycle works. When everyone learns the same basic facts, periods become less taboo and more ordinary.

To keep it “period positive”  is to treat menstruation education as a shared part of growing up, not a private topic that only some children need to know about. That inclusive approach helps reduce stigma and can make school and home conversations much easier.

You can say things like:

• “Everyone should understand periods because they are a normal body process.”
• “Knowing about periods helps us be respectful and supportive.”
• “This is useful information for all children, not just some.”

Why this matters

When children are given clear information early, they are less likely to panic if their first period arrives unexpectedly. They are also more likely to feel confident asking for help, whether that means needing a pad, worrying about cramps, or wondering if something in their cycle feels unusual.

Periods do not have to be a source of embarrassment. With the right language, timing, and tone, they can be treated as what they are: a normal part of human development. The earlier children learn that, the easier it is for them to approach puberty with confidence rather than fear.

One Final Tip

Having a period kit ready to go when a child is at the age their period might start can be really reassuring, especially for school days, or when away from home. Something small they can keep in their bag… Our large pouches are actually perfect for this!!.

Include a clean pair of period pants, cleansing wipes, a pad, and a wet bag to put the soiled pants into. Something comforting like a little chocolate, heat patch and pain relief.