Periodic awkwardness!

[Motherdearest]

My 3 and a half yr old DD is currently very aware of all things female..v.interested in my make-up, teetering around in my 'high heels', talking about babies in tummies and going through the contents of my handbag and dressing table etc.

Consequently, she's come across my tampons and has asked me what they are, she's also spotted the string (sorry to be so graphic) when I'm in the shower. I'm ashamed to say I fob her off (something I always vowed not to do) then quickly divert her attention.

Presumably I've not got the only inquisitive little girl...how do the rest of you handle such questions at an early age?

Erm, just sort of told her really. Agree, it's awkward for you but not for her, she'll just take it in her stride, she knows no differently

Your DD sounds just like mine! I didn't have the faintest idea what to tell her so I changed the subject fast, as in "oh, look, is that a spider on the ceiling?"

I'm concerned about telling her for 2 reasons, either I will scare her because she associates blood with cuts and cuts with pain - this I can deal with.

My biggest worry is that she will be morbidly fascinated. She's the type of child that's disatisfied until she's extracted every bit of info that she's sees relevant. Oh yes and then happily relate it to anyone who will listen, she will also ask if it happens to them - then she'll be asking for tampons to use on her toys....

I wouldn't worry about her telling other people - I mean kids are there to embarrass you aren't they, nothing is secret? My little girl used to try to put then in herself . But now, at 7, she is utterly blase about the whole thing. Can't remember ever knowing what my mother got up to in the bathroom

Thanks Tinker - maybe you're right. Perhaps a couple of red-faced weeks will be worth it so that she has a healthy attitude about the whole thing later on.
(MIL will twitter on of course, about how wrong it all is and that kids aren't allowed to be kids anymore blah blah blah....)

Ds,4, is very interested in our new baby-to-be and asks endless questions such as "how did it get there" and "how will it come out". I've kept it simple but factually correct ie "the baby comes out of a hole that women have". Of course this was followed with "where" and "can I see it?" - at that point I changed the subject rapidly . I am dreading him telling my Dad about the hole, I come from one of those families where sex was never mentioned.

3 girls, shared bathroom (not the sanctuary of an en-suite for us) so it's something I've encountered too. I keep it technical. 'Well, I'm having a period, which is what grown-up ladies have every month when they're not having a baby. It's good news, because we haven't got room for anymore babies in this house, have we..?'
Then change the subject.