How to discuss menstruation with your teen; expert offers tips

Here are some useful tips for having open and honest conversations about body and menstrual cycle awareness with your teenage child.

Published on: Sep 3, 2022, 19:26:00 IST

By Akanksha Agnihotri, Delhi

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Parents and children may feel awkward when discussing sensitive topics like mensuration, but it is crucial to provide them with accurate information. Your children will be able to make better health decisions if you help them understand their bodies. When a girl gets her first period, many of them are not familiar with the menstruation process. If women were given the right information in school, they would experience fewer period issues. According to UNESCO "2.3 crore girls drop out of school at the onset of their periods and 71% of adolescent girls in India remain unaware of menstruation till they get their first period." To help your kids feel more independent and secure when they start menstruating, it is crucial to teach and inform them about the menstruation process. (Also read: Menstrual Hygiene Day 2022: 5 common menstruation myths busted by expert )

How to aware your teen regarding menstrual cycle? Expert share insights (istockphoto)

Menstrual Cycle Coach, Jema Lee, suggested ways by which you can create menstrual cycle awareness for teens in her recent Instagram post.

1. Be honest

It's not about "having the talk". Be transparent and open about all of their questions. Create a safe space to ask questions.

2. Early body conversations

Start body talk conversations from a young age. If you already have a teen or tween, start a conversation about their body.

3. Learn more yourself

Discover the cycle for yourself as a parent (father or mother). Self-knowledge is also an important aspect of wise parenting. Educate yourself first regarding the menstrual process and then teach your children.

4. Celebrate their menarche transition

A dinner date, special day together, menstrual gift bag, ritual celebration with dance and chanting, getting ears pierced etc. Make it celebrated!

5. Be prepared

Help them be prepared. Get them a menstrual bag, ask them what menstrual products they'd like to explore and stock them up on menstrual underwear.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Agnihotri
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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