Latest news with #puberty
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
This dad canceled a ‘period party' to protect his daughter's privacy—and parents can't stop applauding him
A viral Reddit post by @YocaLocaChoca is sparking deep reflection for parents navigating puberty and consent. In a story that has since gained more than 28,000 upvotes, a dad shared how he stepped in to cancel a surprise 'period party' his wife had planned for their 12-year-old daughter—a party the child explicitly said she did not want. AITAH for putting a stop to my 12yo daughter's 'period party'? byu/YocaLocaChoca inAITAH 'She told you specifically she DIDN'T want one of these,' the dad reminded his wife, blocking the doorway when she tried to retrieve their daughter from upstairs. 'She knows what's going on, she's getting a handle on it, she just doesn't want to talk about it with anyone else for right now.' The mother, insisting the party would empower their daughter, responded, 'She needs to know not to be ashamed of her body.' But as the dad pointed out, their daughter wasn't ashamed—she was clear: she wanted privacy. The post struck a chord, with many commenters sharing stories of similar boundary breaches. @Fonzee327 wrote, ' Got my period at 13 during a softball game in 8th grade…I found out later that she (mom) announced it to all of the parents, and I never told her anything I didn't want to be public knowledge ever again.' So what happens when a celebration feels more like a violation? Related: Single dad seeks advice about daughter's first period—and the internet came through When a milestone becomes a spectacle Period parties have gained attention in recent years as a way to normalize menstruation and celebrate a major milestone. Think red velvet cake, uterus-themed decorations, and group affirmations. Some kids genuinely love them. Others, like this Reddit user's daughter, feel overwhelmed or exposed. As the brand Knix explains, these gatherings are meant to celebrate periods as a normal and positive part of life. But they also note that first periods can be 'an emotional, confusing, even scary experience.' The key is meeting kids where they are. Celebration without consent isn't empowerment In the age of Pinterest-perfect parenting and viral TikToks, even private milestones can become public moments. But when parents prioritize the performance of parenting over the child's actual experience, the result can feel deeply alienating. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), adolescence is a critical time for identity and boundary formation. When those boundaries are ignored—even with good intentions—children may internalize shame or struggle to trust their caregivers later on. Supporting kids through puberty with care The AAP recommends that conversations about puberty be ongoing, honest, and responsive to a child's comfort level. Here are a few ways parents can provide support: Ask first: Instead of surprising your child with a celebration, ask if and how they'd like to mark the moment. Normalize without spotlighting: Stock the bathroom with supplies, have casual conversations, and let them know you're available to talk. Follow their lead: If they want to celebrate, great. If they want to keep it private, honor that. Boundaries are not barriers to connection. They're the foundation for it. For many millennial parents, their own puberty experiences were shrouded in secrecy, shame, or misinformation. Stories like this one offer a chance to do things differently—to respect autonomy, rebuild trust, and raise kids who feel safe in their bodies. Because the most meaningful celebration might be the one where a child feels truly heard. Related: Why I'm proudly teaching my sons about periods Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
18-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Women everywhere are making the switch to leakproof period underwear - now up to 50% OFF undies, activewear and even swimsuits!
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more One word: period. It's no secret that girls start getting their periods in their pre-teen/teen years, and with it comes extreme awkwardness — but not anymore. Knix is an intimates brand that is changing the narrative around periods with its innovative Leakproof Underwear. We can finally say bye-bye to monthly anxiety and hello to leak-free days that keep us comfortable, calm, and under control! Kt. by Knix Calling all teens! We know talking about and dealing with periods can be extremely uncomfortable, which is why Kt. by Knix is here to save the day. Explore leak-friendly underwear, activewear, and more right now for up to 50 percent off during their MASSIVE summer sale that runs through July 14th. Up to 50% OFF Shop Kt. by Knix, is the cool younger sister brand of Knix that is bringing the innovation to where it all begins — puberty. The up-and-coming brand is revolutionizing the way young girls identify with their bodies by offering stylish, leakproof solutions to periods. With school, friends, sports, (and boys!) in the mix, there is a lot on teens' minds — but bleeding through shouldn't be one of them. That's why Kt. by Knix is changing the game with undies, activewear, and even swimsuits that put periods in their place for good. Right now, the brand is offering huge summer savings with up to 50 percent off nearly everything, including their famous leakproof panties. UNDIES ACTIVE Leakproof Active Legging Whether you are headed to gym class or soccer practice, you should always feel confidently protected. These best-selling leggings some in so many colors and are insanely soft! But the best part is they have period coverage so that those 'uh-oh' moments can be a thing of the past for good. $54.40 (was $68) Shop Leakproof Active Short Leakproof shorts? For under $30? Say less! That's right, these best-sellers are officially on sale right now for an incredible price. Available in many sizes and colors, these skin-hugging sport shorts are where comfort, athleticism, and peace of mind meet. $26.60 (was $38) Shop First Serve Sport Dress If your teen is all about dressing trendy, trust us, this is for her. This adorable tennis dress style leakproof design, is perfect for summer with built-in underwear and sweat-absorbent fabric. While wearing this (in one of the three colors) we know your teen is going to feel cool, confident, and at ease! $61.60 (was $88) Shop SWIM Period Swim Sport One-Piece Splish, splash! This is the #1 best-selling suit on the Kt. by Knix site and we can see why. With incredible prints and colors, this basic suit provides flexibility and comfort. The full coverage style gives support both for leakproof protection and growing curves too. This option is great for summer camp, sleepovers, lake days, and more! $61.60 (was $88) Shop Period Swim Short We know teens typically want to be 'on trend' and many times that means bikinis! Luckily, Kt. by Knix has the perfect ones. These cute swim shorts come in multiple prints and colors with various matching bikini tops available too. This is the perfect coverage option for teens looking to enjoy pool days without stressing about leaks. $44 (was $55) Shop Period Swim Freestyle One-Piece There is enough to worry about as a teenager, but bleeding shouldn't have to be one of them. This super chic full-piece suit comes with coverage that can have her back the way she needs 24/7. It comes in a few different colors and the white framing makes it feel mature! (Which she'll love). $70.40 (was $88) Shop
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Artificial sweetener found in Diet Coke and chewing gum could trigger puberty early, study suggests
Children who consume a diet packed with sweeteners may be at higher risk of reaching puberty earlier, concerning research suggests. Commonly-used sweeteners including aspartame, found in drinks like Diet Coke and products like Extra chewing gum and Muller Light yoghurts as sugar alternatives, have long been linked to certain cancers and heart issues. But now, Taiwanese experts have found that high levels of the additives could also trigger central precocious puberty—where the first signs of puberty emerge far earlier than normal, typically before the age of eight in girls and nine in boys. Higher consumption of 'added sugars', meaning those above the natural content of a food or drink item, was also linked with an earlier puberty. Experts said the study—one of the first of its kind—showed how sweeteners had a 'surprising and powerful impact' on children's development. Previous studies have warned that starting puberty at a very young age may increase the risk of other health conditions including depression, diabetes and even cancers. Dr Yang-Ching Chen, study co-author and an expert in nutrition and health sciences at Taipei Medical University, said: 'This study is one of the first to connect modern dietary habits—specifically sweetener intake—with both genetic factors and early puberty development in a large, real-world cohort. 'It also highlights gender differences in how sweeteners affect boys and girls, adding an important layer to our understanding of individualised health risks.' In the study, the scientists assessed 1,407 Taiwanese teens, who undertook diet questionnaires and urine tests, and discovered 481 had undergone early puberty. They found the artificial sweetener sucralose showed a stronger link with early puberty in boys, while aspartame, glycyrrhizin and regular added sugars showed a stronger link in girls. Experts also found the risk was most pronounced in those who already had a genetic predisposition towards an earlier puberty. The study was presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco, and has yet to be published in full. But common limitations of diet studies include the fact eating habits are often self-reported. Sucralose is made from normal sucrose table sugar but is chemically altered so the body doesn't process it as a carbohydrate, meaning that it contains no calories. It is the main ingredient in the Canderel sweetener. Glycyrrhizin, on the other hand, comes from liquorice roots and is a natural sweetener. Previous research from the same team found that some sweeteners can affect the release of puberty-related hormones. They said the chemicals were having this effect by influencing the function of cells in the brain or by altering the make-up of bacteria in the gut. Concerns about the impact artificial sweeteners, which are added a plethora of products to make them TAST sweet with fewer calories, could be having health, including its cardiovascular impact, have circulated for years. But critics highlight such studies are only observational, meaning they are unable to prove artificial sweeteners are the culprit and cannot rule out other external factors being to blame. Fears have also been raised about links between artificial sweeteners and cancer. These worries were heightened in 2023 after the World Health Organisation controversially classified the artificial sweetener aspartame, found in drinks like Diet Coke, as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans'. However, the UN agency ruled it only posed a risk to those who consumed massive amounts and that an 11 stone (70kg) adult could safely drink about 14 cans a day. A growing body of research also suggests that girls who go through puberty at earlier ages could be at risk for health issues later in life. One 2023 US study found that girls who started their period before the age of 13 were at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and suffering strokes in adulthood than their peers who began menstruating later. Another, published in the Lancet, found that girls who started their periods at early ages were at an increased risk of breast cancer. Experts have put the surge in girls starting puberty younger down to the ongoing obesity crisis, with fat cells containing hormonal properties triggering puberty at a younger age.
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Teen-tested and totally leakproof! Score up to 50% off period undies, swimwear and more
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more One word: period. It's no secret that girls start getting their periods in their pre-teen/teen years, and with it comes extreme awkwardness — but not anymore. Knix is an intimates brand that is changing the narrative around periods with its innovative Leakproof Underwear. We can finally say bye-bye to monthly anxiety and hello to leak-free days that keep us comfortable, calm, and under control! Kt. by Knix, is the cool younger sister brand of Knix that is bringing the innovation to where it all begins — puberty. The up-and-coming brand is revolutionizing the way young girls identify with their bodies by offering stylish, leakproof solutions to periods. Kt. by Knix Calling all teens! We know talking about and dealing with periods can be extremely uncomfortable, which is why Kt. by Knix is here to save the day. Explore leak-friendly underwear, activewear, and more right now for up to 50 percent off during their MASSIVE summer sale that runs through July 14th. Up to 50% OFF Shop With school, friends, sports, (and boys!) in the mix, there is a lot on teens' minds — but bleeding through shouldn't be one of them. That's why Kt. by Knix is changing the game with undies, activewear, and even swimsuits that put periods in their place for GOOD. Right now, the brand is offering huge summer savings with up to 50 percent off nearly everything, including their famous leakproof panties. UNDIES Light Leakproof No-Show Underwear Boyshort 3-Pack Bye-bye bleeding — hello freedom! Go to school, practice, and beyond stress free this year with undies that just GET it. This 3-pack of Kt. by Knix's famous leakproof designed underwear are perfect for tackling anything your day has in store. $36 (was $66) Shop Super Leakproof® Sleepover Short Looking for something a little more 'full coverage'? These adorable short leakproof style panties are to DIE for. Equal parts fun and practical with comfort first fabric and a heavy absorbency (perfect for sleepovers). $36 (was $45) Shop ACTIVE Leakproof Active Legging Whether you are headed to gym class or soccer practice, you should always feel confidently protected. These best-selling leggings some in so many colors and are insanely soft! But the best part is they have period coverage so that those 'uh-oh' moments can be a thing of the past for good. $54.40 (was $68) Shop Leakproof Active Short Leakproof shorts? For under $30? Say less! That's right, these best-sellers are officially on sale right now for an incredible price. Available in many sizes and colors, these skin-hugging sport shorts are where comfort, athleticism, and peace of mind meet. $26.60 (was $38) Shop First Serve Sport Dress If your teen is all about dressing trendy, trust us, this is for her. This adorable tennis dress style leakproof design, is perfect for summer with built-in underwear and sweat-absorbent fabric. While wearing this (in one of the three colors) we know your teen is going to feel cool, confident, and at ease! $61.60 (was $88) Shop SWIM Period Swim Sport One-Piece Splish, splash! This is the #1 best-selling suit on the Kt. by Knix site and we can see why. With incredible prints and colors, this basic suit provides flexibility and comfort. The full coverage style gives support both for leakproof protection and growing curves too. This option is great for summer camp, sleepovers, lake days, and more! $61.60 (was $88) Shop Period Swim Short We know teens typically want to be 'on trend' and many times that means bikinis! Luckily, Kt. by Knix has the perfect ones. These cute swim shorts come in multiple prints and colors with various matching bikini tops available too. This is the perfect coverage option for teens looking to enjoy pool days without stressing about leaks. $44 (was $55) Shop Period Swim Freestyle One-Piece There is enough to worry about as a teenager, but bleeding shouldn't have to be one of them. This super chic full-piece suit comes with coverage that can have her back the way she needs 24/7. It comes in a few different colors and the white framing makes it feel mature! (Which she'll love). $70.40 (was $88) Shop
National Post
07-07-2025
- Health
- National Post
Mia Hughes: Alberta judge relies on myth that gender drugs are lifesaving
Article content And just like that, the medical justification for subjecting healthy adolescents to these interventions has vanished. There is no life-threatening emergency — only experimental drugs being offered to confused youth still exploring their identities and trying to find their place in the world. Article content With Skrmetti, the ACLU learned a hard lesson — one Egale may soon face: in court, activist rhetoric doesn't cut it. Evidence matters. You can't win by shouting slogans or crying 'transphobia' when pressed. You can't call a treatment 'evidence-based' unless there is actually evidence to support it. Of course, Canada's judicial system differs significantly from that of the United States. Charter rulings tend to allow more room for ideological interpretation — and a Canadian court is not bound to follow the same evidentiary reasoning as the U.S Supreme Court. But the Skrmetti ruling is sure to have boosted the confidence of Smith and her legal team as they plan to take this fight to the higher courts. Article content Article content Like the ACLU's challenge to Tennessee's ban, the Egale-led Charter challenge rests on a strange and radical argument. It asks the court to treat the natural developmental stage of puberty as 'harm,' and the denial of experimental drugs as a violation of Charter rights. Most striking is the Section 12 claim: that restricting access to blockers and hormones amounts to 'cruel and unusual treatment' — a clause intended for criminal punishment, not medical regulation. Framing a protective measure as state-inflicted cruelty makes a mockery of the Charter's purpose. Article content But more fundamentally, the challenge to Alberta's ban ignores a core ethical principle in paediatric care: a 'child's right to an open future.' Adolescents are still developing — physically, cognitively, and emotionally. To offer them potentially irreversible medical interventions based on transient identities is not an act of compassion; it's a form of foreclosure. True protection means safeguarding all the possible versions of the self that a young person has yet to discover — and shielding them from life-altering decisions they are not yet equipped to make. Article content Article content In essence, the Egale-led Charter challenge isn't about protecting rights; it's about defending an indefensible medical experiment — one that treats unproven drugs as safe, evidence-based care and the natural course of puberty as a danger. When Alberta moves forward defending its law, the Court of Appeal will face a choice: follow the science-led shift seen across Europe — or give legal cover to a collapsing ideology. Justice Kuntz failed to see past the activist script. The real test now is whether Canada's upper courts will have not only the clarity to recognize it — but also the courage to reject it. Article content
