Daughters first period?

Question

Hi ladies, I need some advice. My daughter is 10 and just started her first period. I don’t know what to do, she seems so young for it! I was 12 when I had my first! I know we probably should have “the talk” now, but I don’t know how to go about it. She’s also a bit on the immature side and I don’t want to traumatize her. What should I do? Sorry if I sound dramatic, I’m just worried.

Answer

I believe American girl dolls has a book that explains periods and reproductive organs in a way that would be appropriate for a 10 year old.
You could also ask the school nurse to speak to her about it.

Answer

I would 100% at least talk to her about what a period is and teach her how to deal with it. What is normal, and what is not. 
When I was starting puberty my mom gave me a book that explained how boobs will grow in, how everyone's is different and that is normal, how long a period normally lasts, how to insert a tampon... Things like that. It was not awkward. 
She may still be young, but it is best to learn how to deal with this now rather than later.

Answer

I was 10 when I had my first period. I say you have to be honest with her. Don’t traumatize her, but don’t sugar coat it so that she doesn’t fully understand either. I’m sure there are resources you can look up.

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Definitely should talk soon, but there’s nothing wrong with waiting maybe just a few more months. She will already be adjusting to a lot so maybe a few cycles for her to get used to things first before even more information wouldn’t hurt. 
I believe it shouldn’t be one big talk that seems like a big deal, but a series of conversations that opens that line of communication. Ask her plenty of questions too to gauge her knowledge. If you continue to talk about things she may feel more comfortable later as questions come up.
Also, be precise. I think my mom used some pollination analogy. I don’t remember the details, all I know is there were several years when I believed you could catch pregnancy in the air like allergies 😆 I used to hold my breath when I walked by boys 🤭 I guess it’s better that then getting into trouble, but I was legit scared to walk too close and end up a pre teen mom. Health class cleared up the details for me eventually. 
My mom thought I understood her, and had no idea the crazy assumption I made. We didn’t often talk about these things either so there was no way for her to realize this.

Answer

Also, let her know there are a wide variety of period products available, and she can come to you if she has any issues with what she has now. I struggled with leaks and discomfort for years and had no idea there were options, even just among pads. 
Pad size and underwear fit make a difference. There are leak resistant panties for teens available on amazon, not like the full period panties but just for pad backup and unexpected spotting. 
Cloth pads are also an option and wayyy more comfortable then disposable if she struggles with rashes or anything.

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Better now than sorry later. Just keep it simple. My mom talked to me about this stuff even before my period , it was annoying af 😂. But it kept me from making lots of stupid mistakes.

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I started my cycle at 9/10 years old, the day I started my mom brought me to a separate room and talked to me about sex, what having a period implied and knowing when to ask for help. She also talked to me about guys and what was not appropriate. You just have to be calm, and sincere. Oh and tell them the appropriate way to change and adjust a pad I put mine backwards the first time and boy did it hurt! 🤦‍♀️

Answer

Okay so here are some tips 
1) Explains do’s and don’ts of periods (if you haven’t but I’m sure you have)
2) Explain why she is having periods (Ex: A period is when an egg is released etc)
3) Explain sex (Ex: Sex is when two people love each other and they want to show it. The man inserts his penis into a woman’s vagina. Sperm is released from the man and pushed into the woman to fertilize eggs. This creates a baby.) 
4) Explain contraception. You should really explain it even if you’re religious. Kids will sometimes stray from religion, and they will want to experiment when they get older. So explain condoms, pills, IUDs, patches, etc. Just tell her about that. Later on explain how multiple contraception types can prevent pregnancy
5) Let her try out different types of period products. If tampons feel uncomfortable to her, get pads. If she doesn’t like either, move to period panties or cups or whatever she thinks would be comfortable. 
6) Answer her questions. 
Side notes: Give her a period tracker. Also, don’t have “the talk” all in one day. Spread it out for her so you don’t make her feel uncomfortable/overwhelmed. Also, spreading out “the talk” over the years will make her feel comfortable to talk to you about her problems. 
Talk about it over the years, not only one time. She will be more responsible and happy if you talk to her about it over the years. 
Someone else in the comments said to let her learn from her peers and to not talk to her immediately about sex. Do NOT let her learn about sex from her peers at that age; They’re kids and most don’t know facts about sex. Teach her at home while she’s younger, so she doesn’t get hurt by false information spread by other kids.

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My daughter is 10 and I do talk to her about it but she’s so small plus she had health issues when she was younger.

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She’s 10 and you haven’t started having conversations with her? That’s SUPER late. I know you obviously can’t go back in time, but definitely sit down and talk to her about everything she should’ve already learned about

Daughters first period?

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