How to Explain Menstruation to Boys

It's only natural to teach menstruation to girls but it's sometimes forgotten when it comes to boys. But inevitably they are going to have questions about it, too. Just as girls should know what boys are dealing with during puberty, boys should have a good understanding of menstruation. Read on to learn how to explain menstruation to boys.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Book about menstruation
• Visual aids

1. Start early. Doctors recommend speaking to girls about menstruation around age eight, and this would be a good time to explain it to boys as well. But boys do go through puberty a few years after girls, so age nine or 10 would still be appropriate.

2. Know the facts. Have a complete understanding of what happens to the female body during menstruation to explain the process completely. Be prepared to answer any questions.

3. Consider using a book. Reading a book about menstruation with boys is a great way to explain the process. Read together then give him a chance to ask questions. This will begin a good discussion.

4. Show pictures. Visual aids are a helpful way to explain menstruation. This will also give boys a better understanding of the female body.

5. Use the correct names for body parts. Nicknames for reproductive organs--girls' or boys'--gives the impression that they are something to be ashamed of. Respect their bodies by giving them the appropriate names.

6. Rehearse if you are nervous. If you are nervous, kids will pick up on that and they will be nervous too. Rehearse beforehand so you will know what you are going to say and how you are going to say it. Stay calm and know that any attempt to explain menstruation is better than nothing.

Tips & Warnings

• If boys don't ask about menstruation you'll need to bring it up first. Use things like tampon commercials to start explaining the process. Small discussions like this are a better option than one big talk.
• Boys may not be willing to talk about menstruation. Ask as many questions as possible to get them to open up but be prepared for a blank stare at first. Keep talking and eventually they will open up.
• Remember if your kids don't get this information from you they'll get it somewhere. Let them know they can talk to you about sensitive subjects even when it's difficult.

[Saimon]

on 6/20/2008 All new updates are available at http://megaupload.name/