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What book should I buy about periods for my 8 & 6 year olds?

10 replies

SparklePrincess · 12/07/2007 14:15

I think its probably about time I broached the subject. You hear about girls starting so young nowadays. Theyve got a vague idea already but its probably time to add more info. Any recommendations & links gratefully received.

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mumblechum · 12/07/2007 14:33

Surely not that young, though? I don't have girls but would be inclined to leave it till they're about 11.

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Tinker · 12/07/2007 14:35

Do you need a book though? Can't you just explain yourself? Don't tehy ask what your tampons are for?

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GroaningGameGirly · 12/07/2007 14:37

They're still quite little, aren't they? But Hair in Funny Places is good.

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nooka · 12/07/2007 14:48

It's not unusual for 9 year olds to have periods now, as it is dependant on weight not age (if the OP's two are small and slim then she may have longer to think about it). I think the best thing is just to let them see what you do and talk about it then - that way it's not too much of a big deal. Otherwise any good how the body works type book works fine, we had a few from the library the other day, and they all seemed quite similar to me. I don't really like the Babette Cole type approach (prefer the straight factual), but I guess it just depends on what you are happy with, and what you think your children would find useful.

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mozhe · 12/07/2007 15:09

Talking is better than books for stuff like this.......by all means buy a book if they see one in bookshop and actually want you to buy it but otherwise just natter about it naturally whenever the occasion arises....If they are this young,( and small/light children ), chances are you have quite a long wait anyway...
After all it's not THAT complicated.....try explaining the sequencing of traffic lights to a 6 year old....like I had to this morning, ( and yesterday...and the day befor that....).

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SparklePrincess · 12/07/2007 21:24

Im not sure if I will say anything to the 6 year old yet, but ive heard of girls starting as young as 8 & would hate for this to happen to dd & her not know about it. (She is not small & slim BTW, probably about average size)

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nooka · 12/07/2007 22:22

My six year old knows all about periods, because I don't go swimming when I am on, and swimming is important to her! The other day I gave a demonstration to ds (8) about how tampons work (in a glass of water!) in the context of why sometimes (if I am feeling really nice) I might go swimming when I have my period (I usually wear towels as I don't get on with tampons). I think it is much easier just to be matter of fact and not hide these things - then children (boys and girls) will know that these things happen, and so you run no chance of them being freaked. I was brought up in a family where I was the third daughter and such things were unmentionable - apparently just in case my father ever found out (I really really don't understand that one). I think that I found out mostly from reading Judy Blume (oh and my big sister, who was always interested in how I was developing). Why don't you just be more open next time you have a period, and let them ask you any questions if they want to?

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largeginandtonic · 12/07/2007 22:37

'Are you there god, it's me Margaret' Fabulous book by Judy Blume. All her books were great and i read them all from about the age of 8. Hope it helps

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KITTENSOCKS · 13/07/2007 09:53

Usborne books do a good factual book about the body in general, but including puberty, pregnancy etc so menstruation is presented as another normal body function.I had this for my DS from 7yo. There is also one for older children which explores other topics such as stds but is probably better suited to 11 yo and up. Although I was very open and honest in answering questions, it's useful for them to have a reference to dip in and out of. I do feel that good preparation takes a lot of the anxiety away when periods do eventually happen. I think that the average age to start these days is 11. Wouldn't recommend tampons at this age, but the pads are so good these days.

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SparklePrincess · 13/07/2007 20:58

Thanks all. They do sort of have the gist of it already, as theyve seen my tampons etc & I was honest about what they were. Just thought a book with a few diagrams & more info would be helpful. I will look out for the Usbourne book & some of the others mentioned in the shops.