Working with kids gives me kind of an advantage on hearing their conversations. The other day I was in my classroom and a young man in my class kept telling me the young girls were having an inappropriate conversation. He said this 3 times so I go over and tell the young girls that if they are having any conversations that they shouldn’t be having that they would change the subject. That’s when they told me what they were talking about. They were talking about periods and hygiene. The young man wanted them to stop talking about because he considered it a disgusting conversation. I of course disagreed.
I disagree that this conversation is inappropriate because these young ladies have every right to have a conversation about something that happens with their bodies yet. In fact, they are preparing the ones who haven’t started theirs yet as well. It donned on me that as much as we teach our young ladies about their periods young men should know about it too. Most times the first time boys hear anything about a period is when they enter health class. I mean, some boys might get glimpses of their sisters, mothers, and other female family members buying menstrual products like pads, panty liners, and tampons. However, they don’t get a sit-down talk like girls do. They know all the mechanics and what is used for it but there is so much more to it. Boys can benefit from knowing some of the things that we as women go through. Like every time we are upset, it doesn’t mean we are on our period. Yes, sometimes it does cause us to stay in the bathroom longer. But here’s why I think they need this talk.
- It’s a normal part of life: I think we should talk about periods with boys because it’s a normal part of life that happens to the women in their lives so they need to understand that.
- They will become fathers: Some of the boys will soon become fathers. Periods do not only show up with moms around. They can come when the daughters are with their dad. They will be comfortable enough to deal with the situation. Although it may not stop the freak out whenever it happens. I knew all about it and I still kind of freaked out when my daughter got hers. It’s almost like “NOT MY BABY!”. But it will be easier.
- Support: If they know what’s going on they can be a better support system to those closes to them. Cause things like accidents happen, cramps, and everything else. They will know how to support the women in their lives.
The point is I understand that boys will think a period is disgusting but to be honest I think it’s disgusting. I mean it’s a natural part of life but it can be a mess to deal with. But the conversation isn’t disgusting. It’s a bodily function that has to happen. We as parents should do all that we can to make sure everyone is comfortable. I think information is the best way to do that. I think The Husband and I have done an okay job with Tyler. He seems to be really comfortable having conversations such as this.
