How to Have and Rock The Period Talk

When did you have the talk with your girl? The period talk.

I know there are a few “talks” that we parents have to look forward to, or rather, white-knuckle our way through and hope it passes. But this one? Well, it’s never really been a hidden thing.

Ever since my second pregnancy (and okay, our third pregnancy that brought about her first little brother), my girl has been curious about it all. Every part of it.

And period talk was just a part of the conversation.

Now though, it’s getting real. What once was just words is now being lived and experienced.

Recently we’ve been having conversations about confidence. Talking about what makes us feel true to who we are, about what it means to be a woman, and how to be bold and not play small because it seems more acceptable or the “norm.”

And I love that Always is having these conversations too. Another thing they’re doing, along with Walmart, is sharing a bit of that confidence with other young girls by helping to #EndPeriodPoverty.

I know it might even sound strange, but it’s a real thing that so many of our girls are facing right here in the U.S. Nearly 1 in 5 girls have missed school because they can’t afford period protection. But it’s not just school they miss. It also means missing out on activities they love. And the side effects of missing out can be just as real as the period itself.

How to Have The Period Talk

Don’t wait until it’s too late. We started early, mainly because she was already curious. She would ask questions, and I answered honestly, though in a gentle way. For us, she knew what was coming.

Start with what you use, and be prepared ahead of time. Our cupboard is full.

Let her be prepared. Give her period protection and let her carry it with her when she’s away from you, especially if you feel the time is near.

Don’t be embarrassed. If she hasn’t brought up the subject, then bring it up with her. Ask if she knows what it’s all about and let her tell you. Lead her through the why, so she’ll understand what’s happening… and that it’s normal! It’s not something to be embarrassed of, but rather, something that makes us, as women, special and able to do something amazing – like create life.

My hope is that in your conversations about what it’s like to be a woman, we can aim to help other girls feel confident in being a woman as well. Every time you order a package of Always pads from Walmart a donation is triggered in the fight to #EndPeriodPoverty. That means I know I’m not only helping my own daughter feel confident and prepared, but I’m also helping someone else who needs it!

This year, Always and Walmart have aimed at keeping our girls involved in the confidence-boosting activities they love. To help #EndPeriodPoverty, Always and Walmart are donating a year’s supply of period products to 50 teams in 50 states.

You guys, we would love it if you’d watch this new Always Live #LikeAGirl video along with us… Aliyah and I both had tears!