My son, who is now over 12 years old, has occasionally encountered signs of my menstruation. At times, he would find traces of menstruation blood in the washroom, which left him worried. He would come to me, concerned, and ask if I was alright. I would calm him down and attribute the blood to severe constipation. In response, he would insist my husband to get medicine for me.
On other occasions, he will ask me,” Mamma, It’s so funny. You still wear diapers like babies do. Oh, don’t you feel embarrassed??” because he thought I might unknowingly wet my pants like little babies. He would playfully tease, “Mamma, you’re still a kid, it seems.” Thinking he was just being a child and his innocence was speaking, I would laugh along with him.
When is the right age to talk to your Son about Periods, Menstruation and Sanitary Pads?
I often pondered when the right time would be to enlighten him about this natural process that women undergo. That moment finally arrived recently when, after seeing the blood in the toilet once again he came running to me. This time I sat him down and explained the significance of menstruation and how integral it is to the female body. Numerous questions followed, and I took the time to answer each one as thoroughly as possible. I answered all his questions about periods, reproduction, feminine hygiene, what puberty in boys meant, what are those diapers viz. sanitary pads until he was content with all the answers.
When should schools introduce the Menstruation and reproduction topics in their curriculum?
While Kids do learn about reproduction in plants and animals in school, human reproduction is typically introduced in 9th standard when they are about 14 years of age. In my opinion, I think the appropriate age to introduce human reproduction to children in school can vary depending on cultural, societal, and individual factors. However, many educators and health professionals recommend introducing the basics of human reproduction in a gradual, age-appropriate manner starting around the ages of 9 to 12, typically in the 4th or 5th grade. This is often when children begin to undergo physical and emotional changes associated with puberty.
At this age, children are usually curious and may have questions about their changing bodies, and introducing the topic of human reproduction can help satisfy their curiosity, dispel any misconceptions, and provide accurate information.
Conclusion
In today’s world, where the stigma around menstruation is diminishing and modern perspectives are emerging, children are gradually being educated about it in schools. However, I believe we, as parents, instinctively know the right time to broach this topic with our kids, and we shouldn’t hesitate to have open conversations about it at the appropriate age.
