Nothing is more awkward than having that first “talk” with your parents. I’m not talking about the birds and the bees chat – that comes later. I am talking about the period talk, something that all girls have to face during their early teen years. It’s awkward and uncomfortable, yet it is important step towards becoming a woman. Actress and activist Aimee Teegarden has partnered up with U by Kotex to encourage all moms and daughters to feel at ease talking about their periods. It is a part of life, so why not embrace it?
Surprisingly, nearly two out of three tweens end up having to initiate their first period talk with their moms due to parental procrastination of the dreaded conversation, which should never be the case. That is why Teegarden, well-known for her role as Julie Taylor in the NBC series Friday Night Lights, has partnered with Kotex. Teegarden has always been extremely close with her mom, so she knew exactly what to expect when she was taking her first big step towards becoming a woman. She encourages all moms and daughters to pick their day to have “the talk” because it is always better to be prepared and well-informed rather than left in the dark.
Teegarden was nice enough to sit down with Her Campus to discuss her recent partnership with U by Kotex as well as the amazing relationship she has with her mom.
What made you decide to partner up with U by Kotex Tween?
I think that there is something really important and powerful about owning your body. I have so many friends who experienced growing up and going through normal body changes as something that they felt embarrassed by. I just think that this is wrong on so many levels. Getting your period is just a natural change that everybody goes through. It is something that should feel empowering. Nobody is overjoyed about having to deal with their period every month, but I think that it is something that should no longer have a negative connotation attached to it.
How has the close relationship you share with your mom helped you through the ups and downs of growing up?
My mother and I have always had a very open relationship about anything and everything: body changes, sexual things, boys, school and work. While I was growing up, getting your period and going through those kinds of changes was such an open topic that I never had any fear of it. I never had any questions because it was such an open dialogue between my mother and I. However, I feel like a lot of girls don’t have that type of relationship with their moms and I think that is something that needs to be worked on.
How has being a role model for young girls affected how you live your life?
Being in the entertainment industry comes with a certain amount of pressure, but at the same time it is so awesome that you have influence over so many people. I think that it is really important to stand up for things that people need in their lives rather than wasting your time doing things that are potentially useless. I do a lot of charity work with organizations like Oceania, Peta and U by Kotex. I am just trying to do my best in life and set a good example for others.
Do you have any advice for young teenage girls and their moms?
I think the biggest thing is to just be open and honest, which goes for both kids and parents. If parents have questions or concerns about what their kids are doing, then try to open up communication. If things are changing, then ask questions. Being open and honest as well as approaching things with an open mind is key.
For more information about Aimee Teegarden’s partnership with U by Kotex, check out http://www.kotex.com/NA/articles-info/my-daughters-period/pick-your-day/…. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for Aimee in the film AWOL, which is set to be released later this year.