“When my guys were between 9-12 months old, I went out and bought a potty.
I am a BIG believer in child-led potty learning.
We allowed them to learn when THEY were ready, pretty much when they asked!
That potty sat there unused for a long time, but it was familiar. Understood. Well known.
My son is 8.
My girls are 7 and almost 6.
We’re likely a fair way off from puberty yet.
However, next month, I am going to purchase a range of feminine hygiene products.
Not just sanitary pads and tampons, but washable pads, a cup, period sponge, and period pants too.
Tylenol will also go into the box.
And this box will be placed in open view on our bathroom windowsill.
Why?
Because I want all my children to view these products as absolutely ordinary.
They already know what a period is.
Even my son knows.
He knows that he can help a woman on her period. He knows leaks happen and that periods can be uncomfortable.
Right now, he offers to bring me chocolate because he knows I crave it during my period. He has even gone to the store and bought it with his own money.
He brings me Tylenol and water if he knows I have tummy cramps.
We talked about how homeless woman sometimes aren’t able to get sanitary care. He wants to carry pads in a bag ‘so I can give them to any women who needs them.’
He’s completely unashamed. Completely understanding.
My girls are the same.
And when the time comes and those products are needed they will be absolutely familiar. Even the reusable products won’t be a surprise and they will be free to experiment with whichever they prefer and knowledge of each at their fingertips.
As they grow, this open box can grow too. Contraception can be added. All done in complete openness, but with that ability to also take the items quietly and without announcement.”
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