Most children feel scared and confused the first time they have their period. Well, this fear can prevented if mother has explained things related to puberty and menstruation from an early age to children. How to? Find out here, come on!
Usually, at the age of 6-7 years, children already know about menstruation and may start to be curious. Mothers can start giving knowledge about menstruation at this age. That way, later the child will no longer be surprised when he experiences his first menstruation, which is around the age of 12 years.
Tips for Giving Explanations to Children
Talking about menstruation with your child can be started by throwing statements to pique their curiosity, such as, “When you grow up you will be like Mama. There will be certain changes in your body. One of them is menstruation.”
In order not to be confused in explaining menstruation to children, below are some guidelines that you can use to start a conversation, including:
1. Talk gradually at different times
Topics around menstruation and sexual education are not topics that can be solved in one conversation, Bun. Mothers need to do it gradually so that the child is not overwhelmed by this new information.
2. Speak in a positive tone
Menstruation is closely related to blood, so the child may be frightened when he hears this information. However, you can guide the way your child sees menstruation. Explain positively that menstruation is a natural process that occurs in every woman.
3. Adjust according to age
Adjust the content of the mother's speech to the age and knowledge of the child. For example, she is 6 years old and finds sanitary napkins in the cupboard, just explain that you use them when you are menstruating.
As your child approaches puberty, for example 10, you can begin to explain specifically about how sanitary napkins work or how to use them.
4. Avoid just giving videos or books about menstruation
There are many books or videos that explain about the menstrual process or how the reproductive organs work. However, children may have many unanswered questions just from watching and reading.
Therefore, it is important to accompany the child while watching the video or reading the book so that the mother can discuss it with him after finishing.
5. Talkright also toon boys
Not only girls, boys also need to be invited to discuss menstruation. Mothers can talk to them in a similar way to daughters. This knowledge is needed so that they understand what their friends, sisters, and mothers go through each month.
Various Questions About Menstruation
Even though you experience it every month, you may get confused when your baby asks questions. Here are some questions about menstruation that are commonly asked by children along with examples of their answers:
1. What is menstruation?
"Menstruation or menstruation is bleeding from the vagina because the uterine wall is shed. Since a woman grows up, the uterus will prepare itself to receive a baby. However, when no baby comes, the uterine lining will shed and then grow again to prepare itself for the next month.”
2. When will I have my period?
“Every woman can have a different time. Usually, menstruation begins at the age of 10-15 years. Well, there are signs that can be used as a benchmark that your period is near. Menstruation usually occurs 2 years after your breasts start to grow and 1 year after you experience vaginal discharge.”
3. Why only women have periods?
“The bodies of women and men are different. Women have wombs, so they can menstruate and carry babies. Now, men don't have wombs, so they can neither menstruate nor conceive and give birth to babies."
4. What is PMS?
"Premenstrual Syndrome" (PMS) usually occurs a few days before menstruation. During PMS you can experience several symptoms, such as breakouts, easy emotions, sadness, or anxiety. However, not all women experience PMS symptoms."
5. How much a lot of blood that usually comes out during menstruation?
"Maybe you will feel a lot of blood coming out. However, the blood that comes out per day is usually only 3-5 tablespoons. Even this only lasts for 3-5 days.”
6. Kok, I haven't had my period?
"Usually the first menstruation occurs at the age of 12 years. However, sometimes some experience it a little faster or slower. Both are still normal. So there's no need to worry, okay?"
7. Is should i stop working?
“During your period, you are free to do your usual activities. The important thing is that you use pads and comfortable clothes. However, some people can experience unbearable menstrual pain. If you experience it, you can tell Mother and rest."
Discussing menstruation with children can be difficult for some parents. This is normal, really. However, that doesn't mean you can skip this conversation if you're having trouble, because this topic is very important for her to master.
You can ask your school teacher, doctor, nurse, or other family member for help who may be able to better convey this information. Don't be shy, yes, Bun, because this is for the good of your baby.
So, don't be afraid to talk about menstruation with your child, so that they are not confused and ready when they experience it. To boys, Mother also needs to talk about this so that she can respect her sister or female friends who do not participate in certain activities because they are menstruating.
