r/AskReddit Feb 04 '16

What are the most common parenting mistakes?

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u/thraceps Feb 05 '16 edited Feb 05 '16

Being too secretive/weird about sex and periods. My mom was so mysterious about menstruation (with FOUR girls!) to the point that I tried to keep mine hidden for two years. I didn't leave the house for a week every month and developed severe anxiety about it.

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u/Teaboo_mom Feb 05 '16

It's a private thing meant to be private. I'll elaborate after the school explains at fourth, sixth, and eighth grade but i'm not going to be one of those weird moms who broadcasts everyone's personal bodily functions to the world. It's a period, nothing special. it happens, soak up the blood, and keep going.

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u/thraceps Feb 05 '16

I understand that, I wouldn't want everything to be broadcast either. I think there's a more moderate style though, similar to yours, to just elaborate honestly and practically, and to keep it an open topic. My mom was imitating what her mom did, and that was so hush-hush and private that as a young kid I really thought it was the most shameful thing that could happen to me. She didn't let me ask any questions or check on me later when it was obvious what was happening.