Do you tell your child when your on your cycle?

[Anonymous]

My 9yr old was a mess today due to having a sleepover yesterday. She was super cranky and at times downright mean. I got super frustrated and told her “this is why you can’t handle sleepovers!”

She was obviously upset and I apologized. I just started my period today and am also out of wack today. Do you tell your kids?

[Anonymous]

No.

[Anonymous]

Gosh no.
And you shouldn't blame your outbursts on your period or PMS either.
Work on yourself and controlling your outbursts and temper.

[Anonymous]

I did when my kids were older because I had really terrible cramps. I was normally go, go, go and I had a heating pad out. I have sons. They're older now and very sympathetic to their girlfriends.

It's a normal part of life.

[Anonymous]

No but I also don't blame outbursts and things like that on my period. I have never thought of it as an excuse for poor behavior. It may explain it, but it's not an excuse.

[Anonymous]

What's wrong with what you said? She was cranky and irritable because she hadn't slept. She hadn't slept because of the sleepover. Learning to pay attention to your body and how it responds to lack of sleep (or lack of food) is important.

[Anonymous]

If you need to apologize to your child, model apologizing without making excuses.

[Anonymous]

They walked into the bathroom regularly so they knew.

[Anonymous]

Well certainly not as an excuse for poor behavior. But I actually see nothing wrong with your interaction. You told her the truth.

My cycle doesn't dictate my emotions or actions so I dont need to "warn" my kid or spouse. I would mention it if it were relevant to something else, sure.

[Anonymous]

Why did you apologize? Her crankiness IS the proof she can't handle sleepovers.

[Anonymous]

My kids know (5 and 9). But I don't use it as an excuse to be mad. I do say that I'm not feeling well and go lie down or whatever. It's on me to control my mood and recognize when I can't be a present positive parent though, before it has an effect on them.

[Anonymous]

Mine always knew as I got bad cramps and couldn't do as much and we all share one bathroom.

[Anonymous]

WTH? No. First of all, you're not ON anything. You HAVE your period. Second of all, no. You're the adult, recognize your moodiness and behave accordingly, don't blame your cycle