A couple of years ago, I was having a conversation with a colleague who was shocked that I mentioned periods in front of my husband, informing me that in their house it was not something that should be openly discussed because her husband ‘doesn’t like it’.
This made me sad for many reasons and slightly (understatement) angry. As a mum of three girls, I feel it’s essential that period education is not just kept for women but for everyone to be armed with the information needed to support and empower the women around them.
It's entirely a different situation in our house, with my husband going as far as tracking my period on his phone in a bid to know how to support me. Still, not just that, he is aware of period pants, cups, and tampons, and he is more than willing to go on a hunt for them in a foreign supermarket when it inevitably starts early, throwing off his tracker. This is not the case in many households, and society has had us stuffing tampons up our sleeves and discussing the topic in hushed voices.
Teaching the next generation will create an inclusive and empowered society which is extremely important. Education is key, look, no one is saying that it needs to be a deep dive into the graphic details of what women go through every month, but a little open discussion can go a long way not just with the husbands in the house but with young boys and other males. This is very important, especially for girls starting their periods, which can be any age from around 9 (!) onwards. The reaction and support that young women receive from day 1 sets them up for their future, removing the taboo and normalizing the conversation regardless of gender.
As dads, mentors, teachers, or just role models, men greatly impact how younger generations view things. When men understand periods, they can set a great example for both boys and girls, showing that periods are a normal part of life and should be respected. This attitude can help change how society sees periods, making it easier for future generations to communicate and support each other regarding menstrual health.
Making the subject approachable and easy to understand is one of the main ways to remove the taboo and make it a ‘normal’ part of life. There are simple ways to do this from an early age or with an older generation needing modernization.
Key tips include:
Talking about it openly removes the stigma and embarrassment people feel around the subject. As a female in the house, you can talk about how you are feeling hormonally and physically to give a better insight into what women go through
Make the conversation casual, there is no need to call a family meeting to announce your period unless you want to that is.
Have an open dialogue – allow questions and be willing to answer any questions asked.
Educate on the different types of sanitary wear, it’s a minefield out there.
Create a ‘go-to’ pack in your house, car, and school bag. There is nothing worse than starting your period and having no one to support you are anything to use. Making a go-to pack allows those soon-to-start feel comfortable and those around them the tools to support them. The pack can simply contain period pants (which they make for teenagers), wet wipes, and a plastic bag.
If you would like to educate yourself or anyone else in your family I would highly recommend reading ‘Period Power’ by Maise Hill
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