In a piece for TIME, “Understanding My Period Has Been a 30-Year Journey,” Jessica Biel shares the story of her first period and urges people to talk openly about menstruation. “So many of us still carry that shame when it comes to our periods. We hide tampons up our sleeves so no one will see us carrying them to the bathroom,” she says. “We keep quiet about what’s happening with our bodies. It doesn’t have to be this way.” Upon reading this article and learning that Jessica Biel has written a new kids’ book about periods, I thought: “That’s a good topic for a newsletter note.” A moment later, I thought: “Is it too personal to share stories about my daughters?” This hesitation would compel my kids to call me a boomer. They’re period-positive, one might say. They’re open with their friends and families about their cycles, their physical feelings, and their needs. While I’m of Biel’s generation and hide my supplies en route to the office restroom, my girls expect free pads in their school bathrooms, and unhesitatingly announce to their teachers when the supplies need refilling. Progress is a good thing. If this is a relevant issue in your home, how is it being handled? As always, you can reach me at andrea@time.com. Best,
Andrea |
