I gave my 9-year-old a book about Menstruation. Yes, you heard that right and I can practically see your eyebrows shooting up! But hold on, it’s not because I’m some super cool parent trying to shock the PTA group. Nope!
In today’s world, where information is at our fingertips, it’s crucial for us as parents to ensure that our kids receive the right knowledge, especially about subjects that have been stigmatized or misunderstood for generations. One such topic is menstruation/periods.
I know what you’re thinking. “A Menstruation Book for a 9-year-old? Isn’t that a little early?”
Menstruation is a natural process that needs to be understood and accepted, despite being disguised in myths and taboos. Its all about the power of knowledge, and i want my child to be well informed and confident from an early age.
Why so Early?
Kids these days are like sponges. They’re absorbing information from every nook and corner, and we’d be mistaken to think they don’t overhear the ‘grown-up talks’ or haven’t heard whispers about ‘that time of the month’ from older siblings or friends.
Why not give them accurate, age-appropriate information instead of letting myths and hush-hush talks shape their knowledge?
“Embrace the power of early knowledge.”
Let’s face it – our schools are often too late for such education
Also, early education can pave the way for body positivity and self-awareness. By introducing the concept of menstruation at a younger age, we’re normalizing it. We’re saying, “Hey, this is a natural part of growing up, and there’s nothing to be ashamed or scared of.”
The Magic of Menstrupedia
Now, back to “Menstrupedia.” This isn’t just any book. It’s beautifully illustrated, engaging, and presents menstruation in a simple yet detailed manner. It’s like the perfect teacher for learning about periods. My daughter was hooked from page one.
You can find this book here.
Unmasking the ‘Taboo’
Menstruation is natural, just like breathing. Even though it’s been kept secret for a long time, I want my child to know it’s normal. “Menstruopedia” does a commendable job of breaking down the complexities of menstruation into simple, understandable language for kids.
It decodes the science, the physiology, and the emotional aspects with grace, ensuring that the reader sees it as a natural, normal part of life.
No More Fright Night
Remember that unexpected moment when you first discovered ‘it’? The surprise? The horror? Some of us had no idea what was happening. I wanted to spare my child that fright. Thanks to “Menstruoidia”, she’s well-prepared and won’t be taken by surprise.
Empathy: Not Just for the Girls
Understanding menstruation is not just for those who will experience it, but also for those around them. This book delves into puberty and should be embraced by boys as well.
Menstruation isn’t just a ‘girl thing’. If boys understand early on, they grow up to be empathetic partners, friends, and colleagues.
Make it a Bonding Moment
Reading “Menstruopedia” wasn’t just an educational experience for my daughter. It was a bonding moment for us. We giggled at the quirky illustrations, discussed the straightforward information, and navigated the wave of emotions together.
Wrap Up
As parents, we often walk a tightrope, balancing the urge to protect our kids with the need to prepare them for the real world. Giving my daughter “Menstrupedia” wasn’t just about teaching her about periods. It was about empowering her, removing the stigma, and encouraging open conversations.
Until next time, Happy Parenting, and never stop exploring the magic of Books!
Big shoutout to “Menstrupedia” for making menstruation education fun, engaging, and empowering!
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This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Outset Books.
I am gifting this to my niece right away!
Yeah my daughter already knows about it since she was in grade 4 because she once saw me with a sanitary pad and was curious.
I would totally agree! Kids should know this which is age appropriate. I have a 7 year old and I too wont back off when times comes to have an open talk about issues like these
When I was a kid, we didnt have any sex education. It’s really a must for all of us, its a natural part of life. I liked the book that you have given your kid to read. She must know how to take care of herself. Periods are a natural part of life and must be treated as such.
Anjali, I totally agree with you that we need to start young and I would say 8 years is a good age for them to be able to understand a bit of the anatomy and physiology of human reproduction. Menstrupedia is the perfect tool , i see that it is well illustrated too.
I have read many books of menstruation but never one for kids that too with such colourful illustrations. I mean the other books make us feel like periods are so dull. This one does the job well it seems.
It is a must read for all parents and daughters. Nowadays 9 is not early. They get info from the net which is far from the truth and 9 year olds are known as tweens. This book does away with stigmas
Discussion periods openly and without taboos is essential. I have been following menstrupedia for quiet sometime and really love how they approach and explain about periods to young girls.
I think we live in an age when kids need to be exposed to the right media to understand something, otherwise they may fall prey to an incorrect channel. I’ve seen and heard a lot about Menstrupedia. And yes, I agree that it’s better to equip our children with the right knowledge, especially when it is easily available.
I really wonder why people feel shy to talk about menstruation even today. Its a natural process that marks the transition from girl to woman.I think If not too wrong I heard about this comic book first in Shark Tank first season. I really appreciate you step toward introducing this book to your daughter at 9. I dont have a daughter but a son and I feel even he should read that at this age because he to be supportive and understanding to all women and girls in his life. It should not be restricted to girls only and boys should also read it and understand it and then only the real progress will happen.
My friend Fauzia had recommended this to all of us as she had given it to her daughter and she couldn’t stop praising it. She went on n on n on harping about it. By then it was too late for my elder one but now that you reminded me Anjali… i am going to pick it up although my younger one knows pretty much everything from her sister. Thank you for the recommendation.
I am so glad kids these days have access to books on menstruation. High time it is stopped being treated as a taboo topic. 9 is not early. Even girls as young as 8 get their periods.
Introducingg mensturation to children is so important that they try to understand and empathize.
Just so timely when you post this article! I’ve got a 9 yr old whom I think is stepping into her teens way ahead than her age. Menstruation is something I knew would come anytime soon and this book would help me start that serious conversation about it.
Well I didn’t expect to tell my girl at the age of 9 but after reading ur blog this book is definitely gonna be helpful. And you are right regarding these things schools give the knowledge very late.
We never had books like these. I remember we were given those pamphlets. Times have changed for the better. I will surely share your post with family.
You ate absolutely right about giving our children early knowledge on such crucial topics as kids these days are very keen and learn things quickly from all possible sources.
9 is not an early age for menstruation. Girls now days have their first period between 8 to 12. I saw this book on inst ad but not yet bought. Instead I spoke with my 10 year daughter regarding this openly. It creates awareness and making it normal.
I have a nine year old, so I will need these soon! Sometimes I get really petrified as to how to impart this information. They have got some education in school, but I myself have to prepare to face this.
Nobody ever talked about this to me and I never fully understood the female reproductive system until I was in 12th standard. So when I got my first period I was extremely scared and thought maybe something really bad had happened. So glad that you took the initiative to educate your daughter regarding an essential aspect of female health.
You got me in the second sentence ‘I see eyebrows shooting up’. That was a wow statement. Your entire post was really enlightening as you have very well explained why and how we should make kids understand it. The book you had gifted your daughter is one amazing one.
I don’t think age 9 is too early – it’s the right time, as many girls nowadays tend to hit puberty earlier than our generation did. I distinctly remember my mother telling me everything about it and even teaching me how to wear pads etc. at the age of 10 in case it happened when I was not around her. Kudos on doing a good job!