Is this weird parenting?

It's RITE of passage. Not RIGHT of passage

There is so much about the OP and many of the responses that I don't agree with or identify with.

• Starting periods does not at all signify the start of womanhood. For most girls there is a phase of at the very least 5 years before they are actually women. It's a long process psychologically, physically and culturally before you really become a woman. I think I would have been upset and freaked out if I felt I had become at woman at the age of 12. It's strange to force this transition onto somebody so publically
• Why have so many low key, ordinary events now become occasions for consumption nowadays?
• Why do periods necessarily mean suffering and the imposition of the idea that women need to be treated and infantilised? The need for choccies I find especially cloying. Ok, yes I am sure chocolate helps some women but I have seen this turned into a 'thing' over the years. Just eat chocolate when you fancy it. But not as a girly treat that you 'deserve' for suffering
• I found starting my periods to be a practical annoyance for a while until I got used to them. It was the same for my mother and my 3 DDs. I know some women do suffer, and I have huge sympathy for that. But really, how many women suffer that much? It seems to me that the idea of periods as suffering is an opportunity to emphasise women's weakness and at the same time sell them lots of things. Chocolates, supplements, books, special pyjamas .....

I think it could create pressure on her to behave as if she is 'transitioning into womanhood', and to change and suddenly grow up. When my DD started her period she really didn't change! She did not suddenly begin a dramatic transition.

It feels as though this is something you are creating unnecessarily - she might not start her periods for a couple of years, yet, anyway. Maybe if she talks to you about it and is worried or upset, you could suggest going out to buy her a treat to make her feel better about it. But this feels like something to help you more than her - perhaps you are just struggling with her growing up. If I was you, I would not force her to feel she should do so.

That is a good idea, Jill.

You are not weird at all.

I remember telling my mother that my period has started and all she said was, "Oh no, more expense". A day or two later she said to me that I needn't think I would be treated any different because of it.

I was mortified, it still hurts. Starting menstruation is such a milestone, it needs to e marked in some way.

It doesn't look like blood to me, it's pink, not red. It also comes in blue and some other colour. It would have to e ruby or garnet to resemble blood. Pink is OK.

I'm pretty sure the op wasn't thinking of blood when she saw that necklace.

Honestly I think it’s women carrying a lot of stigma. Or whose own mothers didn’t support them through this.

I wonder if it’s a generational difference. This would be totally normal and would be viewed as supportive in my peer group. I think it’s a lovely idea.

Threads like this remind me that I’m really not English 😂 I think it’s a very nice idea, and second the suggestion to take her to choose one herself.

Whaaaat!
Just clicked on the link for necklace
.it resembles a big drop of blood!!!
No words for this it is so embarrassing...
Please don't buy it for her thr symbolism is very bad taste

I think its a lovely idea. The world is full of sheep, do something different 🙂

I used to get my daughter bubble bath, a massive bar chocolate and take a break type magazines.

I think as her mam you see it as a right of passage, she may just feel embarrassed and uncomfortable

Not sure I'd wear a period necklace, especially if my dad knew what it was too.

It's a nice idea but I don't think the reality would align to the expectation

Yes and it's jolly nice too. I don't have a daughter but people I know who have, always bought them a little something. A gold pendant is a bit much, op, but something pretty and comforting would be appropriate. One of my colleagues bought her daughter a charming little bag, like a small cosmetic bag, with sections for her period gear plus a couple of more expensive than usual toiletries.

Starting periods is a right of passage, the girl is growing up and that should be acknowledged. It's a heck of a lot more than just being able to have babies, there is far more to becoming a woman than that. She is entering a new phase of life and will naturally be different.

I wish my mum had been a bit like you. She was horrible when I started, I've never forgotten it.

I think it's a lovely celebratory idea to mark moving from childhood to young womanhood. My Mum took me out to dinner to mark this transition. And I'll do the same. Feminine rituals are really important in many cultures.

If my dm had done that I'd have been mortified and thought she'd gone quite mad. Don't do it..

Thos is common practice in some cultures - not necessarily a necklace but a gift to celebrate the girl griwing up. I just got my daughter a pamper bag.

It's normal in my culture so I don't think weird. She doesn't have to tell people why/when you got it for her if she's not comfortable. Who the hell asks anyway? When you see someone wear a little pendant or bracelet or whatever is it normal to ask what occasion it's marking? As if every single thing people buy is in honour of something.

My grandmother gave a plain gold chain to every granddaughter when it happened. There are other rituals too. She died many years ago and we all cherish it.

I actually bought my daughter a moonstone pendant when she started her periods. Moonstone is a representation of feminine energy, intuition and emotional strength. I don’t care if people think it’s weird.

Good idea, plant into her mind that it's all going to be horrid from the start. Great thinking.

It’s really kind and I don’t think it’s weird. I think a lot of cultures have different traditions too for this sort of ‘coming of age’ thing, but I wonder if she’d like to choose something? Or like a PP said I think a pamper day and talking with you about everything would be much more valuable. I always remember things my mum did for me when I was young and those things are much more valued. I’ve lost all my jewellery given to me prior to the age of 30! So it will also quite possibly get lost anyway

I think you are being thoughtful towards your daughter, but I would ask her opinion, not surprise her.

I love the idea.i also think maybe a nice silver necklace which a lot of girls seem to wear,that won’t tarnish after a while.

Can someone please guide me?
I’ve been living in my rented home for over six years, and now my landlord has informed me that he wants to sell the property. We’ve always had a good relationship with him, and we’ve never caused any issues. I have a one-year-old son, I’ve just returned to work from maternity leave, and my husband works full-time. Unfortunately, due to the cost of living, we can’t afford to rent privately elsewhere.
My landlord has served us with a Section 21 notice, which I submitted to the council along with a homelessness risk form. The notice period has now passed, and I reached out to the council for help—but they told me they can’t assist until there’s a possession order and a bailiff warrant.
Do I really have to go through this entire process? It feels like an unnecessary burden for my landlord and puts me in an awkward position with him, which I’ve tried to avoid. I’m feeling lost and unsure of what to do next.

Crikey. DH is a frightfully proper chap and very traditional.

However, it's 2025 and periods have been treated as a normal, every day matter in this house for 36 years. My DD, nearly 27, has never felt embarrassed about her periods or her father knowing about them. They are a fact of life.

Are you religious?

My friend's dad bought her flowers and she was totally mortified that her mum had told him..
I think some chocolates and some new comfy pj's are much more appropriate