At what age should I talk to my daughter?

Question

about menstruation? I know every girl starts her period at a different age. I started at 12, what little I knew about it, I learned at school, her grandmother told me she started menstruating at 9, and told me I should talk to her about it already, she's 8, but I think she's too young!

Answer 1

You should start talking to her a little bit at a time. Other girls at school will soon be talking about it (and some will be "starting"!!!). By the time she's 9 1/2 or 10, you should have a box of pads under the bathroom counter "just in case." You'll have to keep talking to her as time goes by. They forget things or don't understand them fully. She'll probably ask you questions. As she gets around 10 or 11, start looking for opportunities where you can discuss things privately. I hope she won't "start" before she's 10, but you never know.

Good luck! :)

Answer 2

I spoke to my daughter at age 8. When she began developing breasts and having acne problems, we had the talk. We are still waiting, and she is almost 12, but I am glad I have already prepared her. She always has something with her, just in case. You never know, and I would rather her understand the ins-and-outs of getting her period so that she won't be quite as terrified when it comes.

At age 8, you do not have to go into absolute specifics (how sex works, penetration, etc.) You can explain that a period is how a woman's body prepares for having a baby. There were parts that I told my daughter I would explain in detail later, but for now, all she needed to know was what her body does, and why she gets her period. It was enough knowledge to prepare her for getting it. Can you imagine how terrified your daughter would be if she went potty and found blood? Now, if she isn't developing, I would hold off a while. I couldn't. My daughter has been in a bra since age 8.

You are her mother, and you know what is right for her. Your instincts will be right. You do what you feel is best.

Answer 3

You need to talk to her about it so she doesn't think she is dying when she has it. It's better to prepare her now for it so she doesn't freak out and knows what to do if it should happen at school. Kids are sometimes starting their periods as young as 8 years old now though the normal age is 12. If you had your period at 12 and your mom had hers at 8 then she could very well start between now and 12 years old. Once she gets her period she will be a woman and it's important that she learns why her body is changing and you need to explain to her about sex and pregnancy as well and tell her that since she has her period she can get pregnant and become a mother if she has sex.

Answer 4

start with simple stuff, let ehr know about puberty, geting breasts, armpit hair ect. Let her know that her body will go through alot of changes in the next few years, one of which is menstruation. There are some great books out there too, if you or her are uncomfortable speaking about it you can always give her a book and let her read about it and then she can come to you with questions. Its best for her to get info form you, kids at school repeat the worst rumors!!

Answer 5

I think you should tel her now ONLY because she may get it at 9 although thats not very common. I wouldnt go into all the messy details about sex and babies and all that maybe just explain the tip of the iceburg to her until shes older then tell her all about the birds and bees and how that relates to her period I hope my opinion helps you a little :)

Amy
Kyle 2/21/04
Trevor 7/9/07

Answer 6

I don't think any age is too young. The way I look at it, atleast she is getting "correct" information from mom & dad, instead of hearing about it from a friend. Kids now a days are talking about things such as sex at a VERY young age. I think its best to get the "correct" information... and atleast she'll know what to be expecting. My mom NEVER told me about anything... neadless to say, when I finally "started" I had NO clue what was going on.

Answer 7

I was an early bloomer and started around 12 myself...but if I had a girl i would start prepping her around 8 w/ a little info (not to scare her) and if she has not started at 10ish..i would provide a bit more info about it! you don't want to scare her or make her nervous BUT you also do not want her to be taken off guard if she starts menstruating and has NO info about it prior

Answer 8

shes the perfect age. I started mine when I was 8 and didn't know anything about it. I actually thought I was dieing lol sounds funny now but I didn't know women bleed that much or what it was. The sooner you talk to her the better. This way she is well informed and knows its a natural thing. Girls seem to be starting their periods sooner and sooner. a niece of mine started right after she turned 7. It's never to early. Good luck with your talk.

Answer 9

It came up between my mother and I from about the time I was 6. I started at 11. My mom also bought me a book about puberty, sex, and growing up, which helped a lot when I was too embarassed to ask questions. Whenever you think that she can understand what you're saying is when you should start. Girls are starting younger and younger these days, and you don't want her to be caught off guard!

Answer 10

Ask her to tell you what she already "knows" and offer to answer any questions she may have. You would be surprised by how young girls are talking about this stuff to each other...and of course how messed up they are about how womanhood works. This will give you a good idea if she is ready for the basics, or a major talking to. Good luck!