Early puberty indicators, mothers of girls advice please

[Puddleclucks]

I promise I'm not a troll, but this post sounds a bit weird I know.

Dd who is just 8 has started with discharge in her knickers, it's noticeable and daily for the last few months. She's definitely not got any infection, no pain or discomfort. No noticeable swelling around her chest etc yet.

Does the discharge mean periods would be likely soon? I'm loathe to talk to her about periods as she's quite anxious about her health, will worry over a little cut or scab etc, and I know she'll freak at the thought of a period!

I've asked a few friends and no one's dd has had the discharge so young, and I'm loathe to keep asking people IRL as it just feels a bit invasive.

Any words of wisdom please?

My 13 year old had discharge for around two years before starting her periods at the age of 13.

Periods usually start 2-3 years after breasts begin developing. Don't know about the discharge though sorry - I just can't remember.

Even if you may have a couple of years to go, you need to educate your DD about periods. It amazes me how coy some people are with their children.

Yes discharge is an early indicator this is a good book which will help
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Whats-Happening-Girls-Facts-Life/dp/0746069952/ref=asc_df_0746069952?mcid=d94325cc59df32d894960d504dc34fea&hvocijid=8267531629597900459-0746069952-&hvexpln=74&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8267531629597900459&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046026&hvtargid=pla-2281435177418&psc=1&gad_source=1

Does the discharge mean periods would be likely soon? I'm loathe to talk to her about periods as she's quite anxious about her health, will worry over a little cut or scab etc, and I know she'll freak at the thought of a period! You'll need to talk to her about it sooner rather than later so that she's not completely blindsided by a sudden period and wonder what tf is going on. Normalise it - mention yours every now and again; leave your tampons etc on the shelf rather than hidden away; get books that explain puberty and periods and talk about them. Checking her mucky pants sounds a bit weird tbh.

Thanks all for the advice!
I'm not normally a coy person, but she just gets in such a tizz about anything health related, but I will absolutely talk to her about it this weekend.
@BeachHutsAndDeckchairs I don't have periods so it's not really come up IYSWIM. I thought it was quite normal to check everything going in the washing machine to see if it wants a squirt if stain remover or something, I'm really not rummaging about in her knickers 😂.