9yr old has just started her periods and I’m gutted for her.

[KelmenaBallerina]

My 9yr old has got her first period on New Year’s Eve. She turned 9 in September and I feel like she’s just been stripped of what remaining childhood she had left. Only 2 weeks ago we were seeing Santa. Physically her body has changed a lot the past year and she’s really tall for her age. But mentally I just don’t think she’s mature enough. It’s been really heavy as well. I’ve had to be with her while changing pads and show her exactly what to do and how to stay clean. She won’t wear period pants as says they are too tight. I’ve told her they need to be tighter than normal knickers to keep everything in.
she’s back to school on Tuesday so I’m really hoping she will be almost finished. But I don’t think she will even go to school next month when it happens. I really have no idea how she’s going to handle this. I feel so sorry for my baby. Any advice would be appreciated.

@KelmenaBallerina

My daughter had a period in primary school but not another one for a long time.

It might be the same for your daughter.

I think the average age is 12/13, (personally 13).

9 is young, even give or take a couple of years, considering this is still primary school age.

Thank you for this it was very informative. I’m guessing there is a difference between now & previous

So my add was in year 3:4?

I’m confused how the above helps?

Yep, there are at least 2 posts on this thread that give me a dodgy vibe.

Bs.

8-16 with weight and genetics being a factor

Big hugs to you I understand your feelings this is normal though I know early.
You sound like a great mum reassuring and talking your daughter through everything is what good mums do.
She is still your baby girl and always will be x

This sounds great, OP. I’m sorry it’s triggered some negative emotions for you, and as a mum to a little girl, I can relate. 9 is young but not so young and you’ve done a great job communicating with her. Now’s the time to be positive and practical, to show her that her periods are a part of her life now, and that doesn’t need to be a bad thing. Our periods are a natural process that can show us our bodies are healthy. Frame it that way for her, and just be there to support and guide if they’re tough to begin with. At this stage it doesn’t need to mean the end of childhood at all. She’s still 9! Do try, as others have said, not to project your (legitimate) fears and worries on to her. Yes, your baby girl is growing up, but you’re going to be so important to the young woman she’s about to become.

I totally understand how you feel OP. My daughter was a year older at age 10, I cried (in secret) about it for her too. I also felt her childhood had suddenly came to an abrupt halt. I felt all the same things you described too.
But, those feelings soon passed. I tried loads of different products and in the end we stuck with modi bodi pants. Got the smaller ones at first, then a year later ladies size and she hasn't looked back. She used to need help changing too, but now she's 14 and takes it all in her stride. Even her dad was a bit 😢 when I told him she had started as it really does seem like an end to her childhood. It gets easier, I promise and she will learn to deal with her period just like all the women before her. Big hugs for you both xxx

Ibuprofen is useful as it lessens flow.

sorry to derail slightly but does anyone know of any good resources to use for explaining periods to young girls, my own dd is not far of OPs and it’s made me think I need to prepare her!

I bought “My Period” by Milli Hill for my daughter. It’s full of practical tips about not just dealing with your first period, but working out your cycle, when you’re next due, what to do in emergencies etc.

Once she’d started, she told me I’d prepared her well, but all I did was give her that book!

Totally get you OP. It is young to have to deal with what comes with periods. I f hate them, as natural as they are.

She may only have one though, My DD did! She had one quite heavy one and then didn't get anything for 2/3 years! She is regular now though at 14.

YANBU to be upset. I was a bit older - 10 and a half and in Y5 - and it still seemed really young to me and as far as I know I was the first in my class.

I was mostly regular, but did get caught short at school once or twice, so would recommend keeping spare supplies in her bag every day of the month! And also phoning/emailing the school so that there's no need for her to explain things to teachers like I had to.

I'm absolutely with you on this. My Granddaughter is showing signs of starting her periods and she is 9 too. It's a lot for this age group to cope with. I'm sure with your support she'll be fine. But I totally understand how your feeling. Your little girl is growing up, you probably feel it's her childhood going. In some ways it is, but it's another chapter, that unfortunately younger or older, most will have to go through. You'll support her and that's all you can do. 🌹

This is crazy, I started my periods at 9 and if my mum had behaved like this/got this upset I would’ve been seriously worried and confused.