about menstruation

most commercially prepared educational

materials and advertisements [perpetuate]
negative stereotypes about menstruation by
focusing on it as a hygienic crisis; this
[provides] girls with confusing mixed
messages, for instance, that menstruation is
normal, but must be hidden at all costs.
Margaret L. Stubbs,
Cultural Perceptions and Practices around Menarche and Adolescent
Menstruation in the United States

so what?

Menstruation is normal and natural

Young women are at risk

2006 Swedish study on attitudes and feelings towards menstruation found:

A large proportion disliking their bodies may indicate
that the transformation to womanhood will not be
optimal Furthermore, mothers timing and ability to communicate attitudes towards
menstruation and the body are important

2005 Cycles of shame : menstrual shame, body shame, and sexual decision making
Women who reported more shame about menstruation and their bodies were uneasy
about sexual encounters and had more difficulty asserting themselves in sexual
encounters.

Young women who learn to be ashamed of menstruation will also lack the appropriate
information about their reproductive health

key points

Mothers are the number one source of information

about menstruation for young girls

When girls are more ashamed of their menstruating

bodies, they are more likely to experience adverse
effects as women
A. Pregnancy
B. Sexual Violence

Started by the California Family Health

Council, now Essential Access Health

Champion and promote quality

sexual + reproductive health care for
all

TalkWithYourKids.org promotes family

communication and features tips for
parents on how to communicate with
their teens to help them prevent
unintended pregnancy and the
spread of STDs

Provides resources for families to

know what to talk to their kids about
and when to talk to their kids about it

Its always the right time to communicate openly and honestly with your kids.
The timeline + tips* below were developed to help you build a foundation of trust + mutual respect with your kids + start an ongoing conversation with them as they develop + grow.

 As your childs gender identity

 As your child goes through puberty,

 Let them know they can talk to

 Reinforce that masturbation is natural

emphasize that all bodies develop

dierently and at their own pace.

develops, encourage them to

respect themselves and others.

and healthy, but should be done

privately.

you or other trusted adults about

anything.

Connection
+ Discovery

 Teach them about appropriate

Reproduction
+ Privacy

touch and how to say no to

unwanted touch.

 Be ready to give a simple

3-5yrs.

 Positively

acknowledge your
childs exploration of
their body. Discuss
that this is a private,
not public, behavior.

 Always use correct

terms to refer to your

childs body parts.

Curiosity
+ Exploring
Dierences

Adolescence
+ Healthy
Relationships

values about dating and sexual activity.

6-8yrs.
more mature questions
about reproduction.

 As children become

more independent,
reinforce the importance
of open communication
in your family.

 Explain puberty and

what to expect. Share

resources early and
often.

 Promote healthy body

image.

13-18yrs.

9-12yrs.

 Be prepared to answer

 Role model healthy

relationshipsyour
child is learning about
love, safety and how
to trust others.

examples from popular media to discuss

what healthy relationships look and feel
like.

 Discuss your familys expectations and

description of where babies come

from.

0-2yrs.

 Share personal experiences or use

 Talk about the benefits of delaying

Puberty
+ Preteen
Development

sexual activity.

 Discuss birth control and STD prevention

to help them avoid risky sexual behavior.

 Encourage your child to evaluate their

relationships. Reinforce that healthy

relationships are built on trust and equal
power.

 Ensure that they know how to say no.

Explain what mutual consent means and

why it is important.

 Share where they can access sexual and

reproductive health care services.

This resource was developed by Essential Access Health + Planned Parenthood of Los Angeles.
*These tips are based on evidence-informed recommendations from experts in the field.

Learn more @ talkwithyourkids.org

the pitch

Talk With Your Kids wants

parents to talk with their kids
about their sexual and
reproductive health

Menstruation is a big part of

sexual and reproductive health

Menstruation is not a big topic

covered by the resources
provided by Talk With Your
Kids

It should be.

the campaign

Images will depict children with questions or

statements about menstruation that mothers (or
fathers) need to address

Further text will take parents to an updated Talk

With Your Kids web page with more specific
resources on menstruation and how to talk with
your kids about it at different ages and genders

who the campaign is for +

where it will run

Images will appear on the Talk With Your Kids

Facebook page and Facebook ads targeted
towards parents

If successful, the campaign images will also be

able to be turned into a short video or TV public
service announcement

the images

But
mommy
uses it
for her
booboos!

about menstruation
learn more @ talkwithyourkids.org

Will I
still be
able to
swim?
about menstruation
learn more @ talkwithyourkids.org

Will
sharks
attack
me?
about menstruation
learn more @ talkwithyourkids.org

Will
bears be
able to
smell
me?

about menstruation
learn more @ talkwithyourkids.org

Will I still
be a virgin
if I use
tampons?
about menstruation
learn more @ talkwithyourkids.org

the goal
Parents, but especially mothers, will be able to access
accurate and age appropriate resources to talk to their
children, especially their daughters, about menstruation.
This will help inoculate their children against the negative
stereotypes presented by the menstrual hygiene technology
industry, ensuring that their girls will have a healthier future.