Periods, a Part of Life, Talk to Your Children

When I was challenged by another blogging momma to write about periods, I thought hmmm, I can do this, then I thought naaa  I think I'll skip this one. I changed my mind again though and figured I would after all. Why because she was right, a period or ministration or a monthly cycle is just part of life. Why make it taboo as she said.
   I can remember in my fifth grade year starting my period right before going to school. I couldn't wait to share with my best friend. After all we both had older sisters and we knew a "little" something about it. I was excited to tell her, but she was the only one. I didn't really want to tell anyone, my mom, my sisters, my teachers, no one else. I can remember sneaking into the teachers bathroom and stealing pads every month because I hadn't told my mom just yet. I of course ended up telling my mom and it was embarrassing but she was very cool about it.
  That being said, I wanted my children to think of it as no big deal, just a part of life. When I had 5 young children and went to the store during my period, well there was only so much room even in the handicapped bathrooms. They were told to turn around but they were still curious about the crinkling sound. So I told them. It was just the easier thing to do. my so knew all about by the time he was 4 years old. I would like to think his future wife will thank me someday. My husband is great about it as well, he doesn't get embarrassed or act grossed out. I mean he is very mature about it and also tends to act as if it's just not a big deal.
  I have one son-the oldest and six girls, periods have to be part of the norm in this house. Being ashamed or embarrassed is just out of the question. I remember my girls wanting to, or coming to me saying they think they had started, of course they hadn't though. When my oldest did, she came to me privately and we had "a moment" then life resumed as usual. I still have not got her in the habit of jotting it down, but she will get there.
  Now, I know, when we were all young it was tampax and always, stayfree and such. However I do want to let all of those brave women who read this, that our vaginal area is one of the most absorbant part on our body. All of the typical brands have harsh chemicals in them. So when I thought about my girls being on their period i opted to use Seventh Generation pantyliners & pads. Yes they sell tampons as well. Also for you cloth diaper lovers ( I use C.D.) there are washable, reusable pantyliners & pads even insertable diva cups rather than tampons, Glad Rags being a huge name. Anyway I just wanted to share that bit of info as well.
  So the moral of all of this, Moms talk to your kids, daughters and sons. Don't make a period a bad, embarrassing thing, it just is and always will be part of every girls life. I would much rather them being ok with all of this and hear it from me then being scared or taken by surprise or told by someone else.