Teacher's viral post highlights importance of teaching girls about their period
We’ve all had to endure the awkward conversations about puberty: whether it’s your parents sitting you down to explain the body’s changes or those strange informational cartoons teachers played in junior high. Girls are getting their periods earlier than ever these days which only further highlights the need to have these uncomfortable conversations sooner than later.
While the puberty conversation may not be as uncomfortable as the sex talk, one teacher is stressing the importance of having it. The teacher took to Reddit to share a story about one of her students in grade 4.
One student – a nine or 10 year old – went to the bathroom early in the morning and didn’t return to the classroom. When the teacher went to check on her, the student was very upset.
“…she said she couldn’t come out and something was wrong, that she had pooped her pants but in the front,” wrote the teacher.
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“She had her period. She had no idea what it was and nothing of the sort. I had to give her a super long maxi pad because I had nothing else and I had to call her parents to send her home because she was completely confused and sad.”
The student went home and the teacher took this experience as a teachable moment for parents across the internet, urging them to have the conversation with their kids about puberty. Regardless whether your have boys or girls, the subject may be awkward but it’s an important one.
“You cannot control when you get your period, but you can prepare your daughters for it. Please do so. There is nothing weird about talking about it with girls and boys,” she said.
Reddit users quickly supported the teacher’s message, sharing their own puberty stories.
ALSO SEE: Viral post proves ‘periods are not just for women’
“My first period started in fourth grade and I remember being absolutely destroyed by the other kids in school… I was covered in blood and was humiliated because the boys assumed I was peeing blood and the girls thought that meant I was having sex. In fourth grade. I was so embarrassed,” commented one user. “Teach your kids that everyone is different and periods start at different times. Being early or late isn’t weird.”
“I went through this. I had boys tell me I was disgusting for having itty bitty bee stings for boobs. And that I was a whore for wearing a bra – in fourth grade. Yeah. Kids are cruel. Also had teachers reminding me that I shouldn’t wear my favourite shirts because they were getting a bit too tight in the chest region… It’s a hard time for girls who hit puberty early,” added another.
While the conversation is becoming more mainstream, it’s still important to talk about periods with children of both genders. The best thing parents can do is have open conversations about what puberty is, why it happens and how to deal with it when it does.
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