Periods
Beginner concepts

Talking About Periods

Preparing a child for their period can be a challenging time for a lot of parents of children with disability.

Introduction

Helping your child to learn about their period can also help them to understand their body better and reduce the need for assistance with personal care.

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Conversation Starters

Do you see those brightly coloured packets on the shelf over there? They are called pads. And these are called tampons. Some people use them when they have their period. Have you seen them before?

Look at this photo from when you were little. You have changed so much. How have you changed?

Can you please help me put the shopping away? Please put these pads and tampons in the bathroom drawer. Do you know what they are for?

Strategies for you to try

Easy English

Use easy English resources like the ones listed below to find the right language and images to help you talk to your child about periods.

Teachable moments

Use teachable moments to start a conversation with your child. Examples of teachable moments could include:

walking down the aisle at the supermarket and pointing out the sanitary products
having your child’s older sibling talk about their period
your child opening the draw where the tampons and pads are kept

Demonstration

If you menstruate and you feel comfortable doing so, it can be good to show your child your period blood and how you manage it. Reassure them that you are not sick and that this is a normal part of being an adult. Explain that they will also have a period as they grow up.

painful periods