From Curiosity to Empathy: Teaching Son About Periods

Some conversations have the power to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and bring people closer together. One such conversation is about periods. Even though it is slightly uncomfortable, this is a part of life essential for everyone to understand, no matter their gender. People can learn about periods and practice empathy to become more understanding friends, family members, and partners. Today, we share a touching and enlightening conversation between a mother and her inquisitive little son. It is an important one. So put on your warmest blanket, and come with us as we eavesdrop on their excellent discussion.

 

Mom: Hey, buddy. Can we talk about something important?

 

Son: Sure, Mom. What’s up?

 

Mom: So, I would like to discuss with you about something, periods, and the reason why you should know about it.

 

Son: Uh, okay. But do only girls have to know this?

 

Mom: No, not really. You know, if you have to run a marathon every month, you'd prepare, run it out, and then cool down, right? That's kind of like what a period is for girls and women. Their bodies go through a monthly cycle of preparing, changing, and recovering.

 

Son: Running a marathon every month? That sounds exhausting. But what does that have to do with periods?

 

Mom: Well, think of a period as the body's way of getting ready for a potential pregnancy each month. If you don't get pregnant, then the body has to reset and prepare for the next month. In other words, shed the lining of the uterus, which comes out as blood out of the vagina. It is just cleaning up after the race to prepare for the next one.

 

Son: That sounds... a bit intense. Does it hurt?

 

Mom: It's a discomfort to pain. Most ladies and women will think of cramping, mood swings, and tiredness. Sore muscles and full-body exhaustion take that form after an exhaustive marathon and are experienced every month. This is why understanding and support mean everything.

 

Son: So, how do I offer support?

 

Mom: There are so many ways! Start with being aware and understanding. If your girlfriends are tired or in a bad mood, don't provoke them with your jokes. Be sensitive, and just say something nice or help with anything else—they'll appreciate it. If they need a pad or tampon, and you have one, offer it without making an announcement. Little gestures will mean a lot.

 

Son: I never thought of that. Then, you experience this monthly, too?

 

Mom: Yes, I do. And I appreciate you asking about it. It’s something that women deal with quietly, but it’s a significant part of our lives. It means a lot when the people around us show understanding and empathy.

 

Son: Golly, Mom. You're real strong. I sure didn't realize it was this tough.

 

Mom: Thank you, honey. It's part of being a woman, but it's also why it's so very important that everyone be very supportive. By understanding periods, you can make our environment more inclusive and full of care for all.

 

Son: I understand now. It's not just about knowing but being kind and helpful. I'll try to remember that.

 

Mom: That's fabulous to hear. Open discussion about these topics eliminates the stigma and makes everything more manageable.

 

Son: So, what more do I need to do to help, I mean other than understanding?

 

Mom: You can help, too, by being prepared. If a friend needs a pad or tampon, lend it to them without making too much of a fuss about it. Don't be embarrassed when standing in the store line holding period products. And if someone is feeling down or in pain, offer to get them a treat or just sit with them.

 

Son: I can arrange that. I will keep some supplies in my bag, just in case. And maybe surprise you with some chocolate or a warm blanket the next time you're on your period.

 

Mom: That would be great. Thank you, honey. Just remember, periods are just part of life; when we learn about them, it makes everybody just a little bit more sympathetic to everybody.

 

Son: Got it. And hey, maybe I’ll even start a conversation with my friends about it. Who knows, maybe we can all learn something new.

 

Mom: That's a great idea. The more we talk about it, the more normal it becomes. You're doing great already by being curious and open.

 

Son: Thanks, Mom. I had never stopped to think just how essential it is to know what the others have gone through. I will try my best to be a good friend and son.

 

Mom: You're a great son already, and I'm proud that you want to learn and be supportive.

Mom: Hey, buddy. Can we talk about something important?

 

Son: Sure, Mom. What’s up?

 

Mom: So, I would like to discuss with you about something, periods, and the reason why you should know about it.

 

Son: Uh, okay. But do only girls have to know this?

 

Mom: No, not really. You know, if you have to run a marathon every month, you'd prepare, run it out, and then cool down, right? That's kind of like what a period is for girls and women. Their bodies go through a monthly cycle of preparing, changing, and recovering.

 

Son: Running a marathon every month? That sounds exhausting. But what does that have to do with periods?

 

Mom: Well, think of a period as the body's way of getting ready for a potential pregnancy each month. If you don't get pregnant, then the body has to reset and prepare for the next month. In other words, shed the lining of the uterus, which comes out as blood out of the vagina. It is just cleaning up after the race to prepare for the next one.

 

Son: That sounds... a bit intense. Does it hurt?

 

Mom: It's a discomfort to pain. Most ladies and women will think of cramping, mood swings, and tiredness. Sore muscles and full-body exhaustion take that form after an exhaustive marathon and are experienced every month. This is why understanding and support mean everything.

 

Son: So, how do I offer support?

 

Mom: There are so many ways! Start with being aware and understanding. If your girlfriends are tired or in a bad mood, don't provoke them with your jokes. Be sensitive, and just say something nice or help with anything else—they'll appreciate it. If they need a pad or tampon, and you have one, offer it without making an announcement. Little gestures will mean a lot.

 

Son: I never thought of that. Then, you experience this monthly, too?

 

Mom: Yes, I do. And I appreciate you asking about it. It’s something that women deal with quietly, but it’s a significant part of our lives. It means a lot when the people around us show understanding and empathy.

 

Son: Golly, Mom. You're real strong. I sure didn't realize it was this tough.

 

Mom: Thank you, honey. It's part of being a woman, but it's also why it's so very important that everyone be very supportive. By understanding periods, you can make our environment more inclusive and full of care for all.

 

Son: I understand now. It's not just about knowing but being kind and helpful. I'll try to remember that.

 

Mom: That's fabulous to hear. Open discussion about these topics eliminates the stigma and makes everything more manageable.

 

Son: So, what more do I need to do to help, I mean other than understanding?

 

Mom: You can help, too, by being prepared. If a friend needs a pad or tampon, lend it to them without making too much of a fuss about it. Don't be embarrassed when standing in the store line holding period products. And if someone is feeling down or in pain, offer to get them a treat or just sit with them.

 

Son: I can arrange that. I will keep some supplies in my bag, just in case. And maybe surprise you with some chocolate or a warm blanket the next time you're on your period.

 

Mom: That would be great. Thank you, honey. Just remember, periods are just part of life; when we learn about them, it makes everybody just a little bit more sympathetic to everybody.

 

Son: Got it. And hey, maybe I’ll even start a conversation with my friends about it. Who knows, maybe we can all learn something new.

 

Mom: That's a great idea. The more we talk about it, the more normal it becomes. You're doing great already by being curious and open.

 

Son: Thanks, Mom. I had never stopped to think just how essential it is to know what the others have gone through. I will try my best to be a good friend and son.

 

Mom: You're a great son already, and I'm proud that you want to learn and be supportive.

 

It's conversations like these that may just change the world. Just be humane and supportive of each other in what we are all going through. If you have any questions or require details on menstrual health, feel free to ask from the website. Let's make the world a place where everyone feels helped and understood.