Period Plot Points Should Be For Boys, Too
Or, why all kids benefit from understanding menstruation
My first exposure to the world of menstruation came in the form of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. I was an advanced reader and had only a small knowledge of what happens to girls and women years older than I was at the time.
I was somewhat proud of my vast understanding of brassieres and boob obsession that was a key part of the plot, however, the repeated use of the word “period” left me puzzled.
My mother was available to clarify the confusion and educate me on the female reproductive process, and I am grateful for both her and Judy Blume for giving me knowledge about what was going to happen with my body.
Thinking back on that formative time, I wonder, are boys missing out?
Of course, anyone can read Are You There God? or watch the movie, but there’s no secret that this subject is geared and targeted toward girls. And, there is need for material that speaks to the unique experiences of those who menstruate (sidebar: we need more stories on the experiences of trans boys/men). Still, our boys benefit from the demystification of periods.
However, there is little, if anything, that invites boys into the conversation. If a “boy-friendly” piece of pop culture does reference menstruation, it is often done in a way that shames women (looking at you, Superbad).
Still, progress is happening, and recent years have seen periods become more than a punchline. Pixar’s Turning Red explored the complicated and often embarrassing situation that is female puberty in a way that was humorous and heartfelt. The film created an opportunity for me to discuss periods with my own children and opened a dialogue for further questions.
More recently, our family watched You’re So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah. I was excited to watch this Adam Sandler film with my kids, but was warned about a “period” scene. Not wanting any spoilers, I didn’t look too much into it, however, I was aware of the reference to menstrual products.
(Image: Sunny Sandler as Stacy Friedman in You're So Not Invited…)
I do not want to spoil the film, so all I will say is, yes, there is a physical representation of menstruation that plays a key role in the plot. Unlike other films, the intent is not to shame women/girls and/or disgust viewers. No doubt drawing from his own experience raising daughters (who also star in the film), Adam Sandler approaches a very delicate moment with care. However, being Sandler, he balances that approach with his signature humor, and that’s what brought my boys in.
They weren’t phased by the period references in the film, nor did it make them enjoy the movie any less. They had some questions, but mostly they were more into the humor of the film, especially from scene-stealer Aaron (Judd Goodstein).
Perhaps that is the point.
Children grow up. They go through puberty. Bodies change. Kids struggle.
These are universal experiences.
Though my boys may not experience menstruation, they should see that others do and that it is a normal part of life.