If you're writing a children's book, should you mention menstrual periods?

Question

I'm writing a novel, for everyone not necessarily children's. but in case a child reads this. If you want to read the story, please have a peek at my profile.

the girl's 11 yrs old and . most girls at that age should have their first periods.

should i make a scene where the girl discovers her 1st period

i thought if my main character is a girl, i need to mention menstral periods, to make things a little realistic

Also, the periods really have nothing to do with the story, i just wanna make things realistic.

Answer 1

You probably need to more closely identify who your readers are. There's not really a type of book that appeals to all ages, so focus on who you're writing for. If your book mainly appeals to mid-teens, or to adults, sure, that content is appropriate. If it might also appeal to bright boys who are good readers at ten, maybe not.

Remember that some kids read well above their chronological ages but do not have the life experience to go with it.

As always, include only what has to be in your book. What purpose does the girl's first period serve? What else might serve the same purpose?

Edited to add: You don't want your realism to get in the way of your story. Are you going to show us her every meal, each drink of water, her peeing and pooping, her sleeping every night? Of course not. Readers will assume normal bodily functions without the author mentioning them.

Answer 2

If the target audience is teenage girls, then it would be appropriate to mention a girl getting her first monthly. In any other case, it might not be appropriate. You have to remember, we live in a society where the menstrual cycle is considered embarrassing to most people (not that I agree with this mentality by any stretch, but it is still something to be considered.)

There's a book that was published in 1970 call "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" by Judy Blume. It deals with a girl who gets her first period, among other teenage issues. It did okay for the first 10 years of its existence, but in 1980, people started making a big deal over it. It remains one of the top 100 challenged books (that is, people have requested it to be banned.) I read it when I was 10 years old and loved it. So if you do have a scene where your main character gets her first monthly, some people will like it, some will hate it and others won't care one way or the other.

I understand about wanting to make it as realistic as possible, but it ultimately depends on the context. If the story is about, say, a girl who goes on a whirlwind adventure to save the world, then what happens to her in the bathroom might not be relevant even as a small detail. If it's about a girl going through everyday, real life issues, then I can see how it would make it more realistic.

I recommend writing it with the scene and then without. See which one reads better. That's what I do whenever I'm not sure about something. It helps to actually see how either way works.

Answer 3

You can write about anything you want in your book. It's not about what you're saying but how you say it.
You need to identify who your audience is. You say it's for everyone but you're worried a child might read it. Well, that's always a possibility but if you're not writing for children, keep children out of your mind and write for adults. If you're writing for children or "young adults" write with them in mind.

People have written books for children about rape and violence and drugs. Some people complain, but then, someone always does. It's all in how you write about a subject and whether it's relevant.

It's perfectly fine to write about your 11 year-old MC getting her period. It's an important aspect of growing up female. If you feel it doesn't bring anything to the plot other than realism, consider whether you really want it there or not. If your plot is better off without it, then remove it. It won't compromise "realism" if everything else is perfectly believable.

Answer 4

If they don't have anything to do with the story then no you shouldn't mention this. If you want ot make this realistic, then give her a bad hair say, or a mean teacher. (P.S. Some girls don't even feel comfortabble reading about that!)

Answer 5

i am a writer and unless its on that sort of thing i leave it out. its like people who wonder does zac efron or ashley tisdale pee. of course they do just like you and me. but it doesnt need to be put into the movies or tv show. a sign by a door is enough.

in the case of the book. what relevance does it really have. none most likely so omit it. when it goes to the publisher they will most likely edit it out. as it has no relevance to the book. if its important add it. but as a rule of thumb its not.

added
since the period has nothing to do with any thing leave it out. bodily functions like peeing and bleeding every month are assumed. much like tv and movies you done see them pee or poo but you know they do or deal with periods but we know they do

Answer 6

I think hiding facts of life is spreading ignorance. Do you know my best friend in senior year in high school though sperm could go through your underwear and impregnate you. So they have teeth now?
my point... why not... children will grow up and some girls get their periods at 8... parents get scared to talk about this sort of thing... maybe if they read your book they will inquire and force the parents to talk about it... which is not wrong at all

Answer 7

well if its a novel i don't think you need to worry because most girls that haven't had theirs wont be reading it I'm in high school and most kids in my class are still reading froggy books for book reports, use the first chapter, or the back of the book.

Answer 8

unless your book deals with pre teen girl issues i would not it will put of other readers aka boys, men and unless detailed it could be a scary read for a girl who has not gone through it yet.but if your book deals with other issues and that is the audience that you are after then i would put it .