How did you explain or discuss the monthly dragon, aunt flow, red carpet to your daughter? Also, if you have sons, do you plan or have you discussed the same with them? I want to find a way that is easy to explain to my daughter about the cycle. I had to watch a video my mom never discussed with me. But I also want to educate my boys, so they understand why their sister is going through what she is.
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Just do it. Check an anatomy if you have to. Do not make it a big deal
I told my son the mechanics of it but I also use the term blood pillows so what do I know lol
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Iām just a very open and honest person. My bonus kids (1 boy, 2 girls age 11,10 & 8) know ALL about it. While on the subject, I toss in some facts about the boys puberty as well. Since Iām so open and nonchalant about it, they know when Iām on my period and why Iām not feeling well. Every month, it seems we use that time to have quick chats and for them to ask questions. Itās a natural thing that happens with the body. No need to sugar coat it.
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I got my daughter American girl books. It talks bout the body
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I just told the truth. My eldest is 6 and he knows about periods afyer asling me what a tampon was. Not a big deal. Its just a period
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Tell them the scientific wayā¦ That way when they have biology it will all make sense
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I just tell them facts using all the literal/scientific names for everything.
āOnce a month when girls get a certain age their uterus (where a mommy carries a baby) sheds itās lining and comes out through the vaginaā¦.and whatever elseā
Our youngest boy is 6 and even he knows. We had a woman start her period at our house and they knew what to do to help her and didnāt make a big deal out of the fact there was blood on her pants etc. my middle son (7) quietly told her and got her a towelš¤·š¼āāļø
Natural body stuff shouldnāt be embarrassing to talk about in my opinion. We have a very open door policy for questions and itās been amazing for us.
Contact your local library. They are a great resource.
Keep it to the point. Thatās what I always do. Your kids will learn more, and respect you more for it when theyāre older. I would just be like, so once you hit a certain age, you become a woman. Which means, you start your period, then explain what that is and what to expect. Hormone changes, attitude changes, semi voice changes, BODY CHANGES. I will absolutely be telling my boys, so they can respect women and know itās a natural part of life and thatās why weāre all on this god given earth in the first place.
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My oldest already knows about it (sheās almost 5) because she asks questions and I answer honestly. Her little sister is unaware because sheās 2 and Iām almost 30 weeks pregnant so itās been awhile since Iāve even had one. Itās just normal life so itās never been a big deal. Same with other basic anatomy things I just tell them what theyāre called and what they mean
Since I never got to go to the bathroom by myself, this sort of took care of itself. I think the main thing is to make sure they donāt think youāre hurt.
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Honesty is the best policy. 
I have been very straight forward with my daughter about periods and bodily functions for a long time. Even the fact that when breasts start to develop it can be painful as well.
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Schools teach it at least here which help me
Girl talks are a big deal for growing ladies. Keep it subtle and clear as well as open for her to come back with questions in a trusting manner.
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My sons (3 ages 7 5 and 2) donāt understand the word privacy and thereās no lock on the bathroom door (old house, havenāt gotten around to it).
They kept asking why I was bleeding so I quite literally told them āitās the inside of my uterus falling out. Iām fine it just happensā. Then they asked me what a uterus is and I just said āthatās where mommies keep their babiesā they seems satisfied and left me alone until the next month when my 5yo announced āmommies baby maker is falling againā! 
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I really didnāt have to explain anything to my kids. They would always follow me in the bathroom and would see me changing my pads. Theyāve always known what it was from toddler age. Iāve also been a single mother most of their lives. Now my daughter is nearly 13 and sheās had her period for just over a year. My son is 11 and he knows what a period is.
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I use correct terms and explain exactly what happens. My sons 13 and hes known for years
Mine, twins, boy and girl, are 7 and they know about it. Iām a single mom. They barged in the bathroom one day when I was changing a pad. I told them that once women get older, itās just a natural thing. At first it scared them because I was bleeding. I said itās just like a bandaid I put in my underwear because it happens once a month. They got used to it and didnāt question it. Sometimes when it happens theyāll bring me the ābandaidā because they know it serves the purpose. They want to help me. They donāt quite understand the concept. But itās normal to them. My parents always shamed me for it and made fun of me. Iām teaching them that thatās normal. Someday, when my son has a girlfriend, heāll know itās nothing to be grossed out by, and help her. When it happens to my daughter, she wonāt feel ashamed and know we are here to help.
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I told my daughter straight up everything about it when she was about 8 so she knew before it happened to her. My mom didnāt tell us so we thought we were dying when my sister started.
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Iām very honest, they seen me go to the bathroom to grab supplies when we where going out one time and they had questions when they where small so it wasnāt new and was a natural. My spouse is very supportive as well and we answer any questions they have (age appropriate though).
My mom handed me a paper sack with a book about periods and a menstral belt and very long pads. My brother was more helpful. He is still one of my favorite people.
I was just honest and upfront with my daughter and explained the changes with puberty too. I told her if she had questions she can ask anytime.
I just told my daughters that theyāre gonna go through puberty and their gonna get boobs and hair and that theyāre gonna start bleeding. But make sure youāre honest. You can call it Aunt Flo or whatever term you want to use but make sure you explain whatās gonna happen so she doesnāt get scared when it does happen.
My daughter has always known, sheās 8yo now. I also bought her the book itās not the stork which is a great introduction to puberty in general. Iām pregnant with a boy and I want him to always know as well. I just want it to be a normal body function.
Factual ā¦do not use weird code words. Keep it simple and easy.
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My oldest is 5 and she asked me and i told her Iād explain it to her when she was a little bit older to understand. Weāre honest with her and we talk to her like an adult.
Be a lot more honest with your daughter than your boys(at least until theyāre older). I was in 5th grade when aunt flow started and I wasnāt preparedā¦I just remember going to the bathroom and then telling my teacher to call my mom because I didnāt know what was going on. I honestly donāt remember ever getting the talk from momā¦my son on the other hand(whose 9 now)has walked in a few times growing up and asked about tampons and My response has always been the sameā¦āsomething youāll never have to worry about or use. Itās something for girls only.ā But boys mature slower and in my opinion heās too young to understand about the female reproductive systemā¦it wonāt be long until heās entering puberty himself. Once heās a little bit older heāll get the talk and any questions he has will be answered.
My daughterās 7, and last year she wanted to know why I bleed, so I told her that each month a thicker skin grows inside my uterus, and yes she know what the uterus is since she was like 4, and I told her that when thereās no baby inside the uterus that skin has to come out, and the bleeding is that skin coming out and thatās it, I told her it happens to all women, and she asked when that would happen to her and I said that everyone starts at a different age, that I started around 12, and she said āwooh, so itās not gonna happen to me anytime soonā and she left hahahaha, I mean why lie? Itās completely normal
My 6 year old knows what it is and why. Just tell them.
I talked to my daughter and explained to her what happens to females and told her it would happen to her soon because I didnt want her to be worried or scared if it happened in school. I also taught her how to use a pad before it came so if she was in school she didnt have to go to the school nurse . And my son learned because my dog had her period and I had to explain to him why. Iām completely honest and answer any questions they ask about it.
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Let them know thear body has to perdyce eggs and they have to come out every month so they can have babies when they get older
What age do we usually have the period talk with our girls since we are on the topic? My daughter (only child) is 5 and have not prepared myself for when puberty begins.
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I told my daughters about their periods when they were 8 or 9. We mentioned it over the years and talked about puberty. Even w my son, ive told him what i know about make puberty lol. The basics ig. What to expect. They were nervous but reassured them its normal and everyone goes through it. My mom didnt tell me anything i learned all on my own. But i want my children to be informed
My 6yr old son has already asked questions about it. He has been in the bathroom while I am changing my pad and asked why. Iāve explained, generally, what it was and why girls have periods. I doubt that he will remember but I want my boys to be understanding when they get older. I want them to help a girl out instead of laugh or be intimidated when the subject is brought up. I believe if you make it common knowledge, it wonāt be that big of a deal. Just like why I refer to body parts as the correct term so it doesnāt seem so weird as they get older.
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When my mom finally talked to me about it I knew what it was because we had been taught about it in school in 5th grade
I decided to have the talk with my daughter when our dog was in heat & I bought doggie diapers for her. My daughter asked me why was the dog wearing a diaper, & it was the perfect opening for the discussion. Maybe alittle unorthodox, but it broke the ice. Lol. Then I was l straight with her and explained how our cycle works. She started about a year later, & was prepared. I suggest being straight & honest, & be prepared for alot of questions. Cause we all know it can be scary.
My kids all learned about it during potty training. When they were learning, they would follow me to the bathroom, and a simple " oops, Iām bleeding! Ya, sometimes grownup women bleed down there. It tells me that there is no baby in my belly! " I normalized it, even with my boys. My 5 year old son knows about it. My 8 year old daughter knows it will happen to her one day. My 12 year old boy understands more as he is older and is learning about sex ed, reproduction and such.
My mother had died right before mine,it was really hard trying to tell my father about it and what to go get me,I WILL NEVER FORGET IT!
Mom of boys here, they followed me into the potty because well theyāre kids lol I was very blunt explained everything from why we bleed, where it comes from to it stops when a baby is present. We even went over types of period products. My oldest is 10 now and I remind him very casually 
I want him to grow up like his daddy not finding it weird or gross but instead never being embarrassed to run and grab some options for his partner or being understanding when waking up to a leaking partner.
Edit to add: we also have an open body policy meaning we have had open scientific approach conversations about bodily functions from why we poop to erections. We feel the more we educate the less the mystery for them to search out on their own.
How have you managed to hide it from a child over 2? When my oldest was 3 we were walking into a public restroom and in front of a room full of people she said Mommy is your pee pee still bleeding? I sheepishly said yes. She then said mom I hope you get a baby in there soon so it stops . I had told her that mommies bodies get ready for a baby every month but when theres no baby your body bleeds to get ready for a new baby next month. Simplicity. Now sheās 10 and knows everything about it. Just keep it honest and in words they understand.
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They usually learn about it in school, i think around 4th grade.my 11 yr old grandson was so relieved when he asked his mom about it and she told him no he wasnt getting a period.lol.kids are so funny.
I bought my daughter the books the care and keeping of you 1 and 2 The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls, Revised Edition (American Girl Library): Schaefer, Valorie, Masse, Josee: 8601404233258: Amazon.com: Books
The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls: Natterson, Cara, Masse, Josee: 8601420276741: Amazon.com: Books
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These books and open conversations
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Weāve 2 girls and 3 boys still at home we have always been very open and just had basic age appropriate but frank discussions about everything. We coupons so weāre always getting pads for the girls so they were available for them to explore before actually needing them. My daughters cycle started it was seemless. Now she chooses her own pads. Same with the boys for body care shower gel, hair care, deodorant and cologne. Keep it simple make it simple and theyāll be fine.
I taught my daughters from day dot
Explain its very normal
Explain the hormones
& how the body works 
I sat all 3 of my kids down at the same time (2 girls 1 boy) talked about the differences between boys and girls physically and drew simple pictures while discussing how their bodies change from child to adult. Super basic information using proper names. As they got older I gave more detail. But I did explain girls can get pregnant before they have their first period if they have sex, and once they have periods they can get pregnant. I also explained what sex is and that it takes a male and female to make a baby. I also said there are ways to prevent pregnancy the best one being not having sex. When they wetter a little older i taught them about birth control. You can also contact the local health department or planned parenthood for pamphlets and recommend educational materials.
Because of covid my twins didnāt get to watch the video in school with the nurse. She sent home the link she normally uses. I watched it with my girls and then answered all their questions(they didnāt have to many) I was just very open about everything. I put it off for months not wanting to and to be honest it wasnāt as bad as I envisioned. I think I just wasnāt ready for them to be so grown being my oldest kiddos. Try googling āalways changing and growing up.ā Itās on YouTube. I quickly just googled it because I couldnāt remember the link and found they have three different ones. One for boys, one for girls and coed. Our nurse sent the coed version and I think that one was fine. Maybe take a look for yourself first and make sure youāre OK with it, but I honestly think itās a great starting point.
Sex, Puberty, and All That Stuff : A Guideā¦
by Jacqui Bailey itās a good book to read to boys
I was 13 when my mom died and started my period about three months after and honestly my aunt just sat down and talked to me about everything. Explained what a pad is and how to put it on and explained what tampons are. My dad sat down with me when I started and told me it was natural. My guy best friend was educated on it and actually saved me from being embarrassed when I had bled through my pants !!
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I explained to my oldest when she was 10 about periods. I told her that all girls have them. That you release an egg which is called ovulation and if that egg doesnāt get fertilized then your uterus sluffs off and you bleed for 3-6 days give or take
My son is 8 my daughter is 4. We talk in general terms now about puberty and how their bodies will change. I want for my children to be comfortable with such topics so any questions or concerns can be discussed. As they get older more details will be given. I want both children to be comfortable with menstruation and all that comes with it, so my boy can grow up and offer support to his partner and for my daughter to expect the same from hers.
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I have two girls, 13 and 15. They knew about it before I got the chance cause of other girls. If you have your period I recommend discussing it as it happens openly to her. I never hid mine from my girls so they wouldnāt feel uncomfortable talking about theirs. I felt uncomfortable talking about mine when I got it cause I was only 9 and my mom went from no talk to invasive. So I wanted to make sure they didnāt feel like that.
My daughter is 9 almost 10 I bought her the care and keeping of you and another book called the period book. Iāve talked to her about periods since she was 7 or 8 but just recently within the last few months bought the books. Sheās been reading them and come to me with any questions and we talk about it. My son is only 6 but he knows very basic info but we will talk more as he gets older
So, here was my method. Because my daughter always had to go to the bathroom with me since crawling stage, I was always honest with her. We would discuss it when I was on. I would show her how to properly put on a pad and we practiced and if she asked questions, I answered to the best of my ability. Since it was something we often discussed and practiced, she was prepared. She has a small bag that sheās added to her bag that she takes with her that holds her pads. She knew exactly what to do and wasnāt afraid as she had seen it many times before with me and knew that all females go through it and it was normal but not to be discussed with anyone else unless it was necessary. My daughter comes to me openly because Iām open with her.
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Well with my oldest it started pretty young (constantly following me in the bathroom and asking questions) I gave the best age appropriate responses. Yes I am bleeding from my vagina. Someday you will too. Itās normal, itās ok.
Now that she is showing signs of early puberty I have told her in more medical terms what will soon be happening to her, how and why. We picked out pads together and I showed her how they are to be used. We also have a āgo bagā ready for her when it happens.
She knows my door is always open if she has questions and for when it starts.
While I donāt have boys my nephews have also been explained these things by their mom so they know whatās up. Our kids are being taught that this a perfectly natural part of life and nothing to be ashamed of or grossed out about.
Talk to her about openly and use correct wording. Set up the right expectations and assure her there is nothing ādirtyā or āwrongā about having her period. Teach the same to your sons so they donāt grow up to be the types that are embarrassed and grossed out of their partners having their periods. Teach them it is a natural process and what it means.
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I had mine watch āCarrieā
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There is a book in the childrenās section called your body and you? Wonderful book as it covers a lot of issues that our children face.
I sat my now 13 year old down an told her plus my 7 year old there is books out that can help you out as well
We live on a farm and have animals. So our kids see their dogs bleed- humans do the same
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I never had a moment of peace and quiet in the bathroom, I had all their questions answered long before they began their periods
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My sons are 9/7 autistic stated the sec talk with the eldest and some of treats period talk but just real basic x
I explained to my boys at a young age that the main purpose of my uterus is to house a growing baby. And when I donāt have one my body cleans the house once a month. My boys are very sympathetic to women in this regard and have even given young women hoodies and such to cover leaks. 
Now they get me chocolate and the heating pad when I start getting cranky.
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I taught my daughter as soon as she was age appropriate to learn about it, I on the other hand wasnāt told ANYTHING and had the most frightening experience ever!
I sensed that my daughter would get her period before they had the talk at school. One day I simply sat her down, casually, in her room and was pretty frank. Remembering that it was an awkward conversation at that age, I made sure she knew I totally got that it was a uncomfortable conversation to have.
I simply said that I had noticed she was getting boobs and some fuzz under her arms, etc and I wanted her to know that something else would soon happen and I didnāt want her to freak out about it. I said that it probably sounds really weird, and maybe even gross, but itās absolutely normalā¦I explained that she may go to wipe one day and there would be blood. It could be a tiny amount or a lot, but to not worry EVERY girl gets it at some point or another. I explained that itās the start of the process of her being able to have babies one day. āBut what if I sing want babies!ā I explained that itās just one step in the very big process and she would make that deciding for herself.
I went on to say that if it were to happen at school, she could grab the kit I made for her (change of underwear and panty linersā¦ theyād be enough for a first period). It would always be in her backpack, so she could even use it if she was at her dadās. I explained that she could call me if she needed.
I seriously made it sorry if a silly conversation, which is not what I intended but it worked.
CONFESSION: this very conversation was the reason I never wanted daughters. After that conversation I was like āI got this!ā
My daughters new about periods since they were about 2 an always followed me to the bathroom so they saw me changing an the blood when u wipe an I always talked to them so when my oldest started at 12 last year she already new what to do now my youngest is 5 now but she knows all bout it as well Iām a single mom so I tell as it is
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My mom bought me the book āthe whatās happening to my body book for girlsā when I was about 11ish. It explained in very plain understandable language the effects of puberty and basic human anatomy and reproduction. My mom and I discussed anything I wasnāt understanding.
I am a fan of the monthly dragon phrase
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I bought a book published by the company that makes American Girl dolls. I cannot remember the title. It was very informative at easy enough for her to read on her own. She slipped through chapters, but I answered any questions she had.
This is an excellent book to explain about how our body changes ā¦ for both boys and girls.
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Just tell her brothers its a hormonal thing and that her moods/feelings are a result of her girl time of the month which lasts for 5-7 days a month.
This explanation would work for her as well but maybe a little more explaining about reproductionā¦no big deal and just let it beā¦
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Seriously just be honest with them.
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Start early with facts and answer any questions truthfully. Donāt use cute words either as that can be confusing. This is going to lead to questions and conversations so make sure you are prepared with facts and donāt be afraid to say idk letās check on it.
I sat down on the bathroom floor with my daughter and got out some pads and just explained very calm and casual what happens. Then she asked some questions. It went well.
I have never hid it from my daughter.
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The way i explained it to my girls 3&6 was that its something that happens when youre body is becoming a woman, its so if you become pregnant, your baby has a nice comfy place to live for 9mos inside your tummy (and thatās why its blood etc)ā¦ but if there is no baby there, then it all has to come out. Then next month a new comfy spot gets made and so on.
They understood completely!
Call me crazy, but I just lay it all out scientifically and let them ask any questions they want itās just a conversation.
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My daughter has known since she was about 2 or 3. Im very open with my kids about many things.
I think period education is SUPER important.
Like, I got mine out of nowhere and I was not prepared and soaked through my pants. Everyone saw. I was humiliated. Education and prep is important!
Also stress girl code. I HATE when I bleed and stain my pants and no one says shit to me 
like, make it okay to discreetly tell a woman she has a stain!!
Yes yes and yes discuss this with your sons. I may have a different parenting style to you as our sex Ed starts from nappies by using correct names for body parts and functions and is an open ongoing conversation from there. My little ones have know about periods since they were toddlers but my nappies are called pads tad embarrassing when my 3 year old asked loudly in the supermarket ādo you need more pads mummy?ā But heyš my teenage lad is very comfortable with periods and when he broke his arm had painkillers and quietly offered some to one of his friends who was having bad cramps. So proud of him. I also tell them when Iām having mine so they are aware Iām not running on all cylinders. My advice donāt make it a single talk make it an ok topic when Eva your at home in the car privately talking not the supermarket lol and if you make it an open discussion be prepared to answer all questions.
All kids are different. When my girls were little they were always following me into the bathroom and so saw some of it. But when they were about 5 and 7 I had a surgery and so I donāt get one anymore. When my daughter turned 10 I tried talking to her about it. But she wasnāt having it. Said she would learn in school. She was in 4 grade. Well then covid shut down the school and that talk never happened. I kept trying. Telling her it would be coming and she would walk away. I ordered her a couple books off Amazon about it and gave them to her. Donāt know if she ever looked at them. But then it happened. At Christmas. Still hadnāt had the talk in school. She knew what it was but was so upset. She came and got me and was crying. We talked about it and told her that all girls go through it. And showed her how to put a pad on. Talked about hygiene and how often to change it. And the importance of being clean and dry. She got it right after she turned 11. So young.
Iām honest. My 5yo knows that when she gets older she will bleed from her vagina and itās called a period. She also knows that girls need periods in order for eggs to release and to have babies. I would tell the same thing to my boy if I had one.
My girls are 3&5, we talk about it now. My son is 8, we also discuss this. We talk about puberty, birds and the bees.
Parents, talk to your kids. Donāt sugar coat it. Donāt leave it up to public school, tv, and random friends. Talk to your kids!!
my daughters (7 & 3) know that if I go yo the toilet itās coz I have to get rid of an egg every month coz Iām not pregnant, (I am pregnant atm so no bleeding lately)
then ur body makes another egg but if there if no help from a man then I will bleed again next month. n my son 8 knows the same to.
but I have also explained that people can have children with or without a manās help too
I started my period at 9yo and knew nothing. I thought Iād done something wrong. My kids were told earlyā¦boy & girl ā¦got an age appropriate booklet from the dr surgery and answered questions truthfully as they arose.
Keep it simple. Just tell them honest facts .
My to be 4 year old walks in ALL the time on me when Iām in the bathroom aka no privacy being a momā¦ he seen my pad and was like āmommy is bleeding you have owes ā I explained to him why girls and moms gets them. He might not fully understand which is ok ,theyāll learn more and the more they get older. My mom wasnāt like that with me so I hope different with my kids. I want to be open with them than them being blind sided and just learning it from school. No.
Be straight forward and donāt use cute nicknames for body parts or menstruation. It makes kids feel awkward when their parents use funny names for something serious to them. Just be open and detailed
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Donāt be shy to call it a period to youāre daughter and son. Tell them spots can appear when they are due on
They can feel bloated
Hormonal happy sad etc
They need to shower daily.
Come to you if they have any question.
Tell the boys to be nice and offer to do 1 or 2 things when she has her period if she isnāt comfortable calling it a period come up with a code word that you know and understand and always make sure she has a pad in her bag wherever she goes to be safe and maybe you have one in youāre bag or in the car etcā¦ stock up on chocolate and panadol hot water bottle comfy knickers etc take her shopping for her woman stuff and teach her about it. Best of luck xx
Its really not hard to fucking explain. Are you kidding me
Be open and honest with them when the time is right
Iāve always been real honest with my lad; heās 10 now but I have been for years. If Iām on my period now, he always knows and asks if I need tablets, hot water bottle, some chocolate. I think itās super important. Iām raising a king ready to meet his queen 
xx
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My kids always knew I bought tampons. When they asked about them I told them what they were forā¦I explained that women bleed every month because itās how our bodies prepare a healthy environment to bear children. They know itās completely normal. Itās not taboo and my daughter knows when she gets there, we will get her whatever she is comfortable with trying And that it may take a few tries to get her exactly what works for her.
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My son, he is about to be 8, was told about a year ago about it. My girls (9, and 6) know the gist right now. My youngest 2 girls (3 and 1) will know more at about 4/5ish. I start with what they can understand and go from there.
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My 10 ur old son just did a unit in Health on periods so I piggy backed on that and told him the truth. I stayed mostly scientific and obviously age appropriate, but I threw in a few āpainfulā realities.
Iām raising my granddaughter she went through some trauma in her young life . She is 10 and about as open as a coconut. You canāt break the outer shell to get to the inside . She does not discuss feelings or tell you whats bothering her. Iām afraid she will not want to tell me or even ask me for what she needs. How do I get her to open up?
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