DD (10) has just started her period

[WendyCope]

She is nearly 11, but it seems quite young? I was 15!!!

Do you mind me asking whe your DD's started their periods?

She's delighted I am in shock

There's something to celebrate in everything Lonicera. We had cup cakes as well - really indulgent ones .

I'm going to go and celebrate this wonderful February day in a minute with a glass of cool Languedoc pink. It's not just a day; it's a wonderful day.

Gosh, thanks to everyone for their thoughtful and insightful replies

DD seems non plussed and confident and fine.

Thanks also for reassurances about height/growth!

Also period pants, sounds such a GREAT idea to me. Especially at a young age.

You have all been so kind and I agree, there is something good to celebrate in every day!!! thanks everyone.

I was 11 and all my mum said was youll have to put this on and go sit still. Hmm

fudgesmummy excellent stuff! Well done. amazing and I wish I had that here.

justanother 'sit still but not funny.

I agree with celebrating loads of stuff. On Friday we celebrated that all of OH's extensive tests to check for cancer were negative, but I still think that celebrating the start of periods is weird.

We were both 9, I was ready though and she knew all about it and it may happen before her friends or around the same time. Some of her friends are now starting at 15. Both are considered a normal range.

I don't have a daughter but I was 11, so was my sister and so was one of my friends. My cousin was 9 or 10 I think. This was a good 20 years ago too.

I was 10 when I started, I was 5"4 and stopped at 5"8 at 14 so not necessarily short but obviously I was a tall 10 year old.

I was 12 - my mum took me to get a small pretty zip bag to keep my sanpro in. It was easier than taking my school bag to the toilet (and more discreet - until you start hiding your tampon up your sleeve ) I still have it and has also saved me when i’ve Upturned my handbag.

@TansyTree we've removed your post - we could see a name and address in the image and we're not sure that this was your intention.

I was 11. First day in high school. I thought I had an accident until it happened for the next two days and I spoke to my mum. Bless her heart.

Fudges That's a fantastic idea! Thank you to you and everyone involved in that. Really brilliant.

I was 11, not the 5'6 I am now. I grew lots afterwards.

I have a friend who is a teaching assistant I. Primary school and they have quite a few in year six start.
My daughter was 14 lucky thing.

Oh and I think Claire Rayner taught me most of what I knew about puberty and periods. I'm sure my older sister and DM told me things and we had a talk at junior school from an excellent teacher who apparently had to insist on it being necessary to the headteacher. But a huge hardback very detailed book by Claire Rayner was my go to for odd questions. I sneaked it out of my DM's room for years. Eventually she just gave it to me. I believe you can get a book my CR written specifically for children about the body and the changes it goes through throughout life.

@LilyMumsnet Thank you! I hadn't realised.

I know it’s considered ‘normal’ but 9/10/11, it’s just so young, they’re still little girls, they shouldn’t have to be dealing with this so young.

My Mum was 17, I was hoping I’d be the same, but I wasn’t, I was 13, just, night before starting senior school, having just moved. Fabulous 🙄. Back then the pads were huge, I felt like a had a mattress between my legs and everyone would be able to tell. It was awful. At least SP is better now.

I had had terrible stomach cramps for the previous couple of months and my Mum & Aunty had been saying they expected it was
period starting. 🙄

13.5yo not showing any signs. I thought she’d stop resembling an ironing board first, but maybe not. She’s in no hurry, but she’ll be fine when it starts. She’s had the little bag in her school bag since about year 5 when they did the science experiment on which pads worked best - with dye at least 🤣

Out of interest, do periods ever start as the first sign of puberty?

Lonicera Just thrilled about your DH. Your post made me well up

Thank you Roses

diary doll pants are a good purchase for those wanting period pants... you used to be able to get in John Lewis but I had to order online (am assuming they are still available - apologies if not) But they were great for my DD in terms of confidence of going to school/parties/sleepovers etc especially in those early months when periods can be irregular..

My DD got her first one in the summer holidays last year, she was 11. Same age that I was. Expected them to be very erratic but she went September without one and is now regular, every month, which surprised me. I'm sure my took a good year or so to settle into a proper cycle..

10 is definitely a more common age now. I was a late starter too. Don't know why I was wishing so hard to start - can't wait to finish the damn things now! Dd was 11. Another tip is to put a towel/bath towel under her in bed for the first couple of nights in case she leaks.