MAYDAY MOMENT
“Can I have this?”
Your 3-year-old comes out of the bathroom wanting to play with a tampon
Expert Response #1
Have a play
It’s my [or it’s Mum’s]
tampon. Do you know what it is for? Let’s find out how much water it can soak up! And let’s find some pads as well to compare…
Yoan Reed, director of Teaching Lifeskills and Outspoken Sex Ed
Expert Response #2
Distract
It is something that some people need when they get older, so you will learn about it when you are a little bit older
Josie Rayner-Wells, national PSHE/RSE adviser
Expert Response #3
Tell it like a story
Did you know there’s a house inside all mummies? There are red cushions inside, and these come out sometimes when there’s no baby growing in there. When that happens, we use these to keep our pants clean
Sophie Manning, former director of Outspoken Sex Ed
Whatever you say next, keep these things in mind…
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Emphasise that there is no need to be embarrassed
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Start simple, adding detail if there are follow-up questions
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Use this moment to talk more about changing bodies, periods and how a baby is made
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Use the correct terms for body parts
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Ask your child questions to guide you in your approach and content
CRISIS NOT AVERTED?
More help with periods…
THAT TIME OF THE MONTH | A Mighty Girl
A guide to teaching your mighty girl about her menstrual cycle, including book recommendations, from a site dedicated to raising smart, confident and courageous girls Go to A Mighty Girl >
PADS4DADS | Hey Girls
A resource for dads endorsed by actor and activist Michael Sheen. A must-read: access a Pads4Dads kit, download a PDF & take in a healthy dose of sanity. “Periods are not gross!” Go to HeyGirls >
THE HORMONE DIARIES | Hannah Witton
Young sex and relationships YouTuber Hannah Witton has a series called The Hormone Diaries, including “Things You Should Learn About Periods in School”. Point your son or daughter this way Watch Hannah >
Remember: every child is different. Adjust these suggestions for the age and stage of your child. Children with special educational needs and disabilities, looked-after children and children who have experienced abuse may all need different support.
If you’re in doubt about your child’s emotional, physical or psychological development, please seek the advice of a professional