9yo DD came over really upset! Could she be having periods?

[coolcookies]

Help! DD2 will not calm down, no matter what I try. One minute she was happily texting her friends, the next she started crying and would not
stop. Might she be having periods without me knowing?

Sorry not nine she is eleven

Sounds like puberty is kicking in. I started my Periods at 11 so defintely possible she's going to start soon.

Does she understand why periods happen, have you had the 'talk'? If so I would just ask her straight and ressure her if she is worried about her emotions being all over the place its hormones its perfectly natural.
I coped fine with all the physical changes it was emotions I struggled with especially going through it so early so had no peers to talk to about it.

coolcookies are you sure now? Maybe she's actually 15 and had her first one years ago

On a more serious note, I had my first one at 11 as well- maybe you could just ask her? Broach it gently by saying something along the lines of 'I was wondering if you needed me to buy you in some sanitary towels just in case?' This might coax her into telling you. When I started, I was at school and the first thing I did when I got home was tell my mum, so I can't really imagine why someone would hide it. Have you had the talk with her?

Of course, at her age it could just be puberty/ hormones in general. But definitely talk to her about it anyway, at least to make sure she is prepared. I wasn't and I sobbed my heart out.

Is there a reason you think it could be her periods rather than hormones kicking in and causing emotional upsets? Also, perhaps, she fell out with the friend she was texting, girls can be very hurtful (sometimes just saying things in the wrong way).

Unless you've already given her some sanitary protection, I personally think it would be quite hard for an 11 year old to hide for any length of time. You'd probably see blood in her pants, her hiding pants or notice an increase in toilet paper as I doubt an 11 year old would want to go into a shop and buy protection herself.

Might be worth talking through puberty with her and especially if you're sure she's started it (either breast growth or hair) have a little chat about periods and that you are there to help.