so my 12 year old daughter just started her period last night, how do i talk to her about boys without making her feel awkward(shes already embarrassed)? i would let her mother talk to her but her mother id dead. so i was wondering what i could do!
2007-01-07 22:44:39 · 13 answers · asked by FUEGO 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
You can't discuss an awkward subject without awkwardness.
Best advice: Confront the awkwardness head-on, then address the subject.
'I know this is going to be embarrassing, but we need to talk about..." (fill in the topic of the day).
I would think that if you are squeamish about discussing it, she's going to sense that and be less likely to approach you. You've already got the Man Barrier working against you (i.e., dads tend not to be the preferred person to discuss this with) so don't make it worse by showing your own, understandable embarrassment.
She has to know that whatever the question, you're safe to ask. She has to know that if you don't know the answer (and hey, sometimes parents don't!), you'll find out together.
Good luck, Dad. I think you'll do okay with this.
2007-01-07 22:51:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you're a single dad, you will need to learn to have these kind of talks with her yourself. Involving an aunt for the specifics is fine. But, she will need you to help her navigate through the teenage years.
You might start with educating yourself in how to discuss the topic and let her know that, although you haven't had the experience personally, you are 30 or 40 years old (or whatever you are) and were married to a woman for X number of years.
First, you're her dad and you love her more than anyone else and any other human. So, she has not reason to be embarrassed. You knew this was coming.
Frankly, it would've been good to start thinking about how to approach this a little sooner. But, better late than never.
2007-01-08 10:32:21 · answer #2 · answered by Carl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry to hear that her mother is dead, my condolences to you. Tell her that you are her father and you need to talk to her about an important thing in her life. If you don't feel comfortable do you have any female friends who could talk to her? I know that this is an awkward thing, perhaps for both of you but she really really needs to know that she could get pregnant now and not to listen to a boy who wants to have sex with her at this young age.
You are a good father to be so concerned.
2007-01-08 06:51:11 · answer #3 · answered by greylady 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The best thing you can do is be completely open and honest, giving her correct information. Let her ask any questions and try not to look nervous or uncomfortable. Tell her that she can come to you about anything. If there is any women in the family she feels close enough to talk to, you might ask if they are willing to help you say the right things or talk with her.
2007-01-08 06:53:30 · answer #4 · answered by moose on the loose 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i'm 18 now.. my mom didn't really talk to me about it.. it's just kind of awkward between us. do what she did: go to your local library and check out some books FOR YOUNG GIRLS about puberty... make sure they are written for young girls or else they might just confuse her worse. there are several kinds of books that will also address boys. one i know i actually own is called "the care and keeping of you: the body book for girls." i think it's really good, and touches on things such as bras and breast growth, periods, acne, and staying healthy during puberty. it is illustrated, and may look too young, but is VERY informative.
Also "The Period Book: everything you need to know but don't want to ask"
And i think also "What's Happening to My Body? Book for Girls" it is a pretty good book, much longer. it really does even go through some of the 'science' things, and may not be necessary, but it does talk about what happens in boys during puberty. it does talk about sex, and birth control, and you may want to remind her that sex should not be casual.. but you can deal with that in your own way.
good luck! i agree with the other responders, you will be just fine!!
2007-01-08 13:50:56 · answer #5 · answered by sxebab33 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is always hard for the girl. most girls find it reeeallly embarrasing when they start their period and especially when they have to talk to their father. shes 12 so shes pretty grown. specifics about boys like dating and sex and such, just tell her that you know its a pretty weird time for her and everything and that you know she can make her own decisions and if she ever needs help or has any questions about anything your always there for her. (you are arnt you???)
2007-01-08 11:43:00 · answer #6 · answered by jessica_stay 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to her about everything, get a net address for this
type of thing get on with a list of things and talk about
this.....Do not leave this as children become sexually
active very young these days and without experience
of the world they cannot cope emotionally...................
Talk about other issues as well, so that you do not
get into just the sex talk, get her a DVD, this is practical
and she can ask you the questions she wants............
Be sensitive.........
2007-01-08 06:53:30 · answer #7 · answered by gorglin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do what single fathers have done for years...set her up with a health department nurse. Buy her books on puberty.
2007-01-08 06:47:11 · answer #8 · answered by Detroit Diva 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'd have a family relative or someone that both of you know do it. I'm not sure that is gonna be cool coming form her Dad.
2007-01-08 06:47:58 · answer #9 · answered by mjcalohan 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a female friend - aunt, niece, etc. that could talk to her and answer her questions?
2007-01-08 12:07:51 · answer #10 · answered by bad_bob_69 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋