Silence Hurts: Why Parent–Child Conversation Matters During Puberty
2. Emotional Wellbeing and Mental HealthCommunication
builds emotional security. Strong parent–child communication is linked to
better mental health outcomes, while poor communication is associated with
distress (Zapf et al., 2023). When menstruation is treated as a secret or
taboo, adolescents may feel ashamed or isolated. Open conversations help them
feel safe, supported, and understood.
Field
Use:
- Parent training: Encourage listening
without judgment.
- Discussion prompt: "How can we make children feel safe asking questions?”
3. Reducing
Risky Behaviors
Heart-to-heart conversation reduces engagement in risky sexual and antisocial behaviors (Coakley et al., 2017; Nattabi et al., 2023). Without guidance, adolescents may make decisions without understanding the consequences, or they may be influenced by peer pressure. For girls experiencing period poverty, lack of guidance can also intersect with vulnerability, such as missing school or engaging in unsafe coping strategies.
Picture credit: Mother and daughter bonding
Field
Use:
- Community messaging: Emphasize
parental role as a “trusted guide”.
- Role-play exercises for parents on how to respond calmly and clearly.
4. Improving
Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes
Parent–teen intercommunication improves
knowledge about pregnancy prevention, increases confidence in help-seeking
behavior, and access to health services (Sievwright et al., 2023;
Javidi et al., 2025). Communities where access to menstrual products
and services may be limited, informed adolescents are better able to seek
support and make safer choices.
Field
Use:
- Simple resource sheets
on hygiene, and menstruation management.
- Community sessions linking parents to
local health resources.
A
Gentle Word to Parents
It
is okay not to have all the answers.
It is okay to feel uncomfortable.
What matters is your willingness to start saying; “Let’s talk about this together,” this can change your child’s experience completely.
Call To Action
- Ask: “How are you feeling
about the changes you’re noticing?”
- Use everyday moments to start
conversations.
- Listen more than you speak.
Key
Takeaway
For
the Period Poverty Reduction Campaign, parental communication is not
optional but essential. It drives awareness, supports behavior
change, and strengthens community engagement.
Adolescents who
receive guidance from parents are more likely to:
✔Manage menstruation with
confidence.
✔ Make informed health
decisions.
Related Articles
Why Silence Hurts: Why Parents-Child Communication Matters During Puberty
Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Content is evidence-based and medically reviewed by a qualified physician, but readers are advised to consult a healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.
Disclaimer: Bridging-Health Int'l does not own the rights to these
videos. No copyright infringement is intended. The content is used solely for
educational and non-commercial purposes.
