Menarche; Tips for Parents

An important time in life - Break the cycle to make the cycle!

This time for your child is a step towards adulthood. The way we talk about, and prepare our young ones for their period can have a really positive impact on the way they see and feel about themselves.

We have come a long way in recent years but we still have some work to do to reduce the shame and stigma that still exists today. I say “we” because it is one of our missions at Sea + Flo but we can't do it alone! A lot of the shame and stigma and lack of education that exists is generational, so it's up to us to break the cycle. The more we normalise the conversations, well, the more normal they become!

In a recent report from Plan UK, 48% of girls said they felt embarrassed by their period, rising to 56% of 14 year olds. 49% have missed an entire day of school because of their period, and with 70% of girls not allowed to use the toilet during lesson times, there's no wonder! Menstrual shame can lead to body shame, low self esteem, which in some cases can lead to disordered eating, self harm, and risk taking behaviour. This is something we really want to work on diminishing. After all, your period is the sign of a healthy body that is functioning exactly as it should. 

It starts with you 

In order for us to speak openly and positively about menstruation with our children, we may need to first look inwards at our own ingrained beliefs, views, and stigmas we may have surrounding ourselves including our anatomy and menstruation.

A really great exercise is to recall your first period, maybe even write it down. 

What did this teach you about being a woman (was it shame? My body is an inconvenience, or it's messy) perhaps you had a positive experience which is amazing.

It's worth knowing that the message that you got then, you most likely carried with you into womanhood. 

Think about how that's played out in your life and the way you view menstruation.

This could be something you use to share with your child, or you could use it to reflect upon and rewrite your story to change your belief, especially if you feel negatively about your body and see menstruation as a burden.

Start Early

Having conversations early and being open to questions is really beneficial. Some girls get their first period as young as 9 or 10 years old, so if they know what to expect and feel prepared for it then all the better. How frightening it must be for the girls whose period arrives and they have no idea what it is, (14% of girls have reported that they had no idea what it was and reported feeling scared, shocked and embarrassed or even thinking they were going to die when their period first arrived).

Children will ultimately have many questions and it's best to answer them honestly and openly, and if you don't know, what a great opportunity to learn together.

The Language/words we use

By using the correct terminology for body parts menstrual cycle, it stamps out any confusion or embarrassment, and therefore reduces stigma and taboo. Knowledge is power. 

Options

Discuss the options for their period care, they may have an idea of what they would like to use/ what they feel most comfortable with the idea of already from either friends or from you. 

It's best not to push your child to use a product that you think is best before they are ready to. 

Some may want to start with pads or period pants but then want to move on to something like a menstrual cup when they start to feel like they're missing out on swimming or beach days with friends. Others may be ready to jump into using a menstrual cup from the beginning. There is no age for readiness, it is an individual preference, best to take lead from your child.

We have information on our teen menstrual cups here, if there's anything else you’d like to know, please give us a shout!