Period FAQs

how to explain periods to a child

by Horace Olson Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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If your child is not asking questions about periods, try to bring it up in natural moments, such as:

  • When a child asks about pubertyor changing bodies.
  • If your child asks where babies come from.
  • If you are buying pads or tampons.

You can say, “Most women have a period every month, meaning they bleed from their vagina a little. It's how the body gets ready for a baby one day, and the tampon catches the blood so it doesn't go into the underwear.” Kids should know what's going to happen to their bodies before reaching puberty.

Full Answer

When should I talk to my child about periods?

By the time they're 6 or 7 years old, most kids can understand the basics of periods. Look for a natural moment to talk about it, such as: when kids asks about puberty or changing bodies if your child asks where babies come from

What happens during a period?

A period happens because of changes in hormones in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers. The ovaries release the hormones estrogen and progesterone . These hormones cause the lining of the uterus (or womb) to build up. The built-up lining is ready for a fertilized egg to attach and start developing.

What do girls and boys need to know about periods?

Girls and boys need reliable information about periods. So make sure you talk to your sons too! For example, if your 4-year-old sees a tampon and asks what it's for, you could say, "Women bleed a little from their vagina every month. It's called a period. It isn't because they're hurt. It's how the body gets ready for a baby.

How often does a period happen?

But a period can last shorter or longer. How often does a period happen? Periods usually happen about once a month. But some girls get their periods around every 3 weeks. And others only get a period about once every 6 weeks. What is PMS?

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How do I explain periods to my 10 year old daughter?

Talking about periods Or simply ask your daughter what she already knows and go from there. Use clear language, like 'vagina'. Emphasise that periods are completely normal and natural – they're part of growing up. Boys also need to learn about periods.

What is a period simple explanation?

Another word for menstruation is "period." A period is the 2 to 7 days that a girl or woman has her menstrual flow, which is when blood and tissue leave her body through her vagina.

What age should I tell my daughter about periods?

By the time they're 6 or 7 years old, most kids can understand the basics of periods. Look for a natural moment to talk about it, such as: when kids asks about puberty or changing bodies. if your child asks where babies come from.

How do I teach my daughter about periods?

Starting the conversation: Ask her whether she's heard about puberty and find out what she knows so far. Correct any wrong information. Sharing your own experiences about when you started your period, whether they're long or short, heavy or light, will help her feel more comfortable.

How do you explain a period to a 9 year old?

You can say, “Most women have a period every month, meaning they bleed from their vagina a little. It's how the body gets ready for a baby one day, and the tampon catches the blood so it doesn't go into the underwear.” Kids should know what's going to happen to their bodies before reaching puberty.

How can you tell if a girl is having her period?

What are some of the signs and symptoms of a normal menstrual cycle?Abdominal cramps. Abdominal, or menstrual, cramps are also called primary dysmenorrhea. ... Breakouts. Menstruation-related breakouts are fairly common. ... Tender breasts. ... Fatigue. ... Bloating. ... Bowel issues. ... Headache. ... Mood swings.More items...

How do I celebrate my daughters first period?

Let people in the family know, and celebrate in small ways that make her happy. You can gift her a period kit, take her on a fun trip to the sanitary pad aisle of a store and familiarise her with the products, watch a movie, throw her a small party or even something as simple as a hug will do.

What do I tell my daughter about her first period?

You should explain that some bloody fluid will trickle out of the vagina slowly over the course of 3 to 7 days, and that she'll use pads or tampons to collect it so it doesn't get on her clothes. You should also explain that some women get premenstrual symptoms like bloating, cramping, headaches, and breast tenderness.

What age can girls wear tampons?

How old should you be to use tampons? There is no minimum age for tampon usage. If adolescents want to use tampons, they can usually begin using them as soon as their menstrual cycle starts.

Should I help my daughter insert a tampon?

Let her know that putting in and taking out a tampon can feel a little funny or uncomfortable at first, and that she might not get it right away. But reassure her that the more she does it, the easier it gets. “Very rarely, there can be some anatomical obstacles,” Dr. Rome notes.

What does first period look like?

Your first period should last anywhere from 2 to 7 days. It may be very light, with just a few spots of brownish blood. Or it may start and end more brownish, but be brighter red on heavier flow days.

Is it normal for a 7 year old to have a period?

Puberty Comes Earlier Now the average age for a first period is closer to 12, with one University of Cincinnati study reporting that about 10 to 15 percent of girls enter puberty at age 7 or younger, a phenomenon known as precocious puberty.

What is a period in sentence?

A period is used to signal the end of a complete sentence. Correct: This is the best paper I've ever written. A period is also used at the end of an indirect question.

Why is it called a period?

“Period” is rooted in the Greek words “peri” and “hodos” (periodos) meaning “around” and “way/path.” This eventually turned into the Latin “periodus” meaning “recurring cycle.” Use of the English term “period” to describe menstruation began in the early 1800s (1).

What is the meaning of period in periodic table?

The horizontal rows of the periodic table are called periods. Each period corresponds to the successive occupation of the orbitals in a valence shell of the atom, with the long periods corresponding to the occupation of the orbitals of a d subshell.

Why do girls have periods?

The ovaries release the female hormones estrogen and progesterone . These hormones cause the lining of the uterus (or womb) to build up. The built-up lining is ready for a fertilized egg to attach to and start developing. If there is no fertilized egg, the lining breaks down and bleeds.

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