How to talk to children about menstruation (periods)?
This post is for mothers who are racking their brains trying to figure out how to correctly and at the right time tell their children about menstruation.
Here are some tips, and we look forward to your comments and shares.
For young children and older children (up to adolescence).
It's simple with young children because they usually don't have preconceived notions about what a human body should look like. It's very likely that if they are curious about an unseen item (in this case, a menstrual product), they will directly ask, "What is that?" And if you firmly and unreservedly answer that it is a menstrual cup or a pad, children will accept it as a given, just as if you had answered any other question for them. This applies to both girls and boys. You can answer that older girls and then women use this item.
As their bodies gradually change, most children may start to feel uncomfortable (too tall, too short, too big, too thin...). The best thing is to emphasize self-love for one's body, which is expressed through healthy eating, walks, or more active outdoor activities. Nothing but the example of adults and love and respect for a partner creates a sense of trust and security in children.
We believe it is very important to regularly tell children about the wonderful things the body does and how important it is to take care of it. For example, before falling asleep, mom or dad can gently caress, encouraging the child to thank their little feet, hands, tummy, head... Older children can do this themselves. It is very important to ask for the child's consent to touch, as this teaches them to say "No" as well.
For teenagers.
It's perfectly normal for teenagers not to want to reveal everything that's on their minds, but you can offer them an "open door policy," meaning you can let them know that they can always approach you. You never know, maybe those "open door days" will only increase 
You could tell girls that during menstruation, blood flows from the vulva (sometimes with clots – shed uterine lining), and during this time, chosen menstrual products (pads, cups, special underwear) are used. Bleeding can last up to 5-7 days, and during this period, pain, and the desire to either cry or laugh, may occur... It can be recommended to keep a menstrual calendar or install a special app on their phone to track their menstrual cycle and mark it. It is very important not to use the word "sick" during menstruation, but to teach them to say: "I am bleeding," "I have my period." After all, it is an indicator of fertility, and therefore the most wonderful gift!
Boys can be told the same things, introducing them to the unique characteristics of the female sex and emphasizing the importance of respect, responsibility, and not teasing. We believe that sexuality education specialists would best convey this topic.
We are sharing a link to a 2019 article about menstruation and the hymen, which you may also find interesting https://www.menulioseserys.lt/.../pokalbis-su-akusere...
We are also sharing a link to a website where you can find information about sexuality education seminars https://www.manovaisingumassvarbus.lt
Photo from Pixabay.