at what age do you tell a little girl about getting a period?

Question

& how do you tell them?

Answer 1

I've been talking to my daughters about it since they were about 5 & 6 - they are now 9 & 10. They are always walking into the bathroom when I am in there, so they've seen it all - they have been asking questions and getting very strait forward answers to whatever they ask - no matter how embarrassing it may be for me.

Answer 2

I think this discussion comes in conjuction with other questions your daughter will start to ask.
They wonder why Mommy has breasts, and they are flat. They wonder where babies come from, and are old enough to really know.
The period explanation comes in conjuction with talking about maturation, and reproduction.

I would just tell her the true physical things that cause it to happen. The lining of the uterus gets a really thick lining, of blood and tissues, and nutrients, for a potential baby to start to grow. But if there is no baby, then the body has to let that blood go out of the body. And that is what a period is. It happens once a month.

The actual readiness of a child is up to the parents to determine. They must be mature enough to handle all the info. And even at that....it is kinda shocking for a girl to learn. But that is life.

Answer 3

When they start asking you questions.. And ease into it.. Pay attention to her questions, to see where she is at with her questions, and keep your answers simple and to the point only to what she is asking. And let her know it happens and is not a bad thing from the beginning. If you are in tune with her, you will know what she is ready to hear as she grows. Mine both ages six and eight already know it happens and they only know what is appropriate for what they have asked me.. Ages and maturity level are the keys to follow.. It happens and there is nothing to be ashamed of.. But they both do not discuss it with friends either... That is clear to them that it is up to the parents to tell their own children.. Mine was unfortunately in tears the other day because a little friend told her soon she would start... She is only 8. I reassured her when the time comes she will have not a thing to worry about.. And will be just fine.. My point is some kids talk and it is wise your child hears from you other than someone else. Mine already knew the basics because of me but I had to take it a step further from what they were told by the little girl from down the street.. Best wishes........ ♥

Answer 4

I have a wonderful book to recommend by babette cole 'mummy laid an egg!' read the book, I am sure lots of questions will follow suit and you can tell them about the joys of womanhood. I reckon any age is good, why does it need to be kept a secret I mean the TV is full of averts selling the goods why not explain what they are for.
I also made my daughter a womanhood box before puberty, in which I put easy to read leaflets about periods, sex, contrception, and a selections of towels, panty liners etc.. so that when the time came she knew what all the stuff was about otherwise they can look quite scary.

Answer 5

I don't believe there is a specific age. My daughters have always known to some extent that girls and women older than them have what is called a period. They know that someday they will have one too. I'm sure at this point they don't comprend all the whys, hows, and whens of it. But they will as they ask questions. I'm sure at some point we will sit down and have a detailed discussion about it just to make sure they don't have questions or concerns. We have always been open about this type of thing. It takes the guesswork out of the "when do I tell them" question. Its all just a natural process.

Answer 6

When you feel she is near the age of her first period, usually around age 10 or 12. Just tell her everything she needs to know--what happens every time she has her period, what she should do about it when it comes, and tell her that it's important that she marks down the date she got her period and count 28 days so she knows when she'll be expecting her period again. Don't forget to tell her that she may have unpleasant cramps. Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or Midol usually helps to ease the pain. Tell her that the menstrual cycle is nothing to be worried about and that it happens to all women. Good luck.

Answer 7

Ok, has your daughter never asked where babies come from, what are pads, and walked in on you in the bathroom when you had your period??? I knew at a very young age because my mom felt there was nothing shameful in it and she wanted us to be open about it. And being 11 is appropriate...I had my period already. And you shouldn't let the school handle it. Your her parent. I remember being about 7 or 8 and my friend didn't know what a period was and I just looked at her and thought wow your dumb! Just be honest and frank with her.

Answer 8

Around here, the schools show the girls a movie and the school nurse talks to them about their period when they are in 4th grade. So, 10 or 11? My mom talked to me about it when I was about 8 because she started at 9, and didn't want me to freak out. Just be open and honest. Even though my mom told me what to expect, I still had that moment of panic when it actually started.

Answer 9

I started my period when I was 11. My mom didn't tell me about this, because she didn't get hers until she was 15. I guess she thought I would be older before I got mine. My daughter is 6yrs old now, and she asks alot of questions, when I am going throught my cycle. I tell her a little at a time, but I will tell her all about it prob when she turns 8.

Answer 10

About 9 is a good age, my daughter's started about 10.
I actually saved time telling the two youngest ones at the same time, 9 and 8.
I told them that all girls go though a time when their bodies change.
They grow from girls to ladies.
I waited for questions...
NONE so I continued.
One change is your bodies insides get ready to have babies, but you need a husband to help make one, IF you do not make a baby all the stuff from inside comes out.
QUESTIONS:
WHAT KIND OF STUFF?
ANS: Blood, but it does not hurt like a cut, but it comes out a lot, like most of the day for 4-7 days!
STATEMENTS: OMG! that is sick! YUCK! GROSS!
WHAT happens to it do we sit on the toilet all day? or what?
ANS: No you do not sit on the toilet all day you use a PAD or TAMPON...
I then showed them both.
To put it best...
I was OPEN and direct, MY mother never spoke to me and I almost died of SHOCK! When I started to bleed my first day at home alone! At least she did not BEAT me for starting to bleed, like in the movie CARRIE, that DID happen to a friend of mine whose parents where strict religious people!
So be direct and prepare yourself with answers...
all kinds of them.
For SOME American Indian girls it is a blessed time and we even celebrate!
It is not a shameful event!