Do body changes always come before periods?

[Dancergirl]

Dd2 is just 11. The only changes I can see so far is a bit of discharge and a tiny bit of swelling round her nipples. She's tiny, no growth spurt yet.

She's going off on a school residential trip soon. Would it be a good idea to pack some pads just in case? Do you think the chance of her starting periods soon is quite low, is there usually more development first?

I would expect there to be more development first -

My dd is 10 and had a discharge since age 9 and a little smudge iykwim, but nothing regular yet.
She shot up all at once and has developed boobs, pubic hair/underarm hair, hips and puppy fat.
She is very hormonal too.

I don't think it would do any harm to pack some just in case. just explain to her that you aren't expecting anything yet but its better than being caught out.
Let her know its just being on the safe side, it might make her feel ever so grown up.
I carry one with us all the time now, just in case. DD knows one is in my hand bag and I think it has alleviated some of the fear for her.

I agree it's a good idea to give her some supplies.
I got a book from amazon about growing up, it's very age appropriate, we read it together, usually when I'm trying to have a peaceful bath!

the book was called "The little book of growing up" from amazon.

Dd1 went on a residential in yr 6 and they told everyone to bring a pad as part of the things to bring list - they've obviously been caught before - even if she doesn't need it (and it does sound unlikely to me)she may spare a friend embarrassment.

I would expect a bit more development first.

We have actual boobs here now, armpit and pubic hair and discharge but no periods

There's no harm in giving her something just in case, I had a chat with DD about her preferred protection, showed her how to use it, and bought her pretty a little case with some pads, spare knickers, small pack of wipes, etc, which she keeps in her bag

My DD must be at the same development stage as Stinklebell's DD - actual boobs, armpit and pubic hair. But no discharge as yet and no sign of periods either.

I bought her one of these before she started high school so she keeps it in her sports bag.

Starting from around that age, if they haven't yet started, I'd pack pads just in case tbh, although it sounds very unlikely to happen.

She's my second dd so we've been through it before! Dd2 knows all about periods, she's read a few books, they've covered it at school and she chats to me. So she's well informed.

Dd1 was much more laid back about the whole thing, started periods at 11 and a quarter. Dd2 is anxious in spite of being well informed, she's just more of a worrier.

I will pack some pads for dd2 just in case but I suspect that won't stop her worrying about the whole thing. She's really squeamish about blood anyway, I don't know how she'll cope when the time comes.

My daughter is 12 and started getting discharge when she was eight. About 14 months ago her boobs started to change and pubic hair started to grow, but no sign of periods yet.

If you feel happier then get her some pads and have a chat. You can tell her you feel it's unlikely she'll start, but you can never be sure about these things. If she has any problems (not just periods) while she is away, tell her to think which teacher she would feel she could approach.