Puberty book for 9 year old

TinyTear · 2021-12-15T10:47:54+00:00

Hi I have now realised my 9yo should probably read some books about puberty... I have on my list of things to buy Milli Hill's My Period but would like to see of more recommendations. So, give me suggestions and I will then choose a book to give her and tell her to come to me if there are any questions. I have talked about periods but with her personality and autism I think she is better off reading and then asking questions than simply me forcing a chat on her... Thanks

Thegreencup · 15/12/2021 10:50

Watching with interest. But my DS is 8YO, jot quite 9YO.

I started my periods at 10, so conscious of puberty hitting early.

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 15/12/2021 10:53

We have the Milli Hill book and it's reallygood. Dd is nearly 10.

We also have the classic "My Body" book by Claire Rayner.

We also have "the Girls Guide to Growing Up" and the boy version too. These are really excellent. Short bits of text, lots of images, easily set out.

Ozanj · 15/12/2021 10:56

You will be surprised by how much misinformation she already knows (she will probably has girls in her class who have started their periods already). That’s why you need to have this talk far earlier.

I would suggest not wasting money on books but just sit down and talk practicalities now. Talk of periods in a practical way, prepare a ‘period box’ with period underwear, different types of pads and tampons so she can have a go when she needs to (lilets do a teen box but it’s better to include a variety of products because lilets may not be suitable if she has heavy periods), talk about the importance of tracking periods and get her a chart, take her to the GP to test for anemia / thyroid conditions / pcos all of which can make starting periods miserable.

santasmuma · 15/12/2021 11:07

The autism friendly guide to periods is the one we got.

Original poster

TinyTear · 15/12/2021 11:39

@santasmuma

The autism friendly guide to periods is the one we got.

Thanks!

OP posts:

Original poster

TinyTear · 15/12/2021 11:39

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz

We have the Milli Hill book and it's reallygood. Dd is nearly 10.

We also have the classic "My Body" book by Claire Rayner.

We also have "the Girls Guide to Growing Up" and the boy version too. These are really excellent. Short bits of text, lots of images, easily set out.

Thanks!

Will look these up too

OP posts:

Original poster

TinyTear · 15/12/2021 11:41

@Ozanj

You will be surprised by how much misinformation she already knows (she will probably has girls in her class who have started their periods already). That’s why you need to have this talk far earlier.

I would suggest not wasting money on books but just sit down and talk practicalities now. Talk of periods in a practical way, prepare a ‘period box’ with period underwear, different types of pads and tampons so she can have a go when she needs to (lilets do a teen box but it’s better to include a variety of products because lilets may not be suitable if she has heavy periods), talk about the importance of tracking periods and get her a chart, take her to the GP to test for anemia / thyroid conditions / pcos all of which can make starting periods miserable.

Thanks for telling me I am too late.

I know my daughter and I know books will be the best option for her leaving her open to ask me questions whenever she wants.

And to be honest I don't get this obsession with tampons, not everyone will want to wear them (I prefer pads for one) and not sure a 9th centile 9 year old will be using them or starting this early...

OP posts:

DonGray · 15/12/2021 11:41

Whats Happening to Me?
Susan Meredith
Usborne

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 15/12/2021 11:44

@Ozanj

You will be surprised by how much misinformation she already knows (she will probably has girls in her class who have started their periods already). That’s why you need to have this talk far earlier.

I would suggest not wasting money on books but just sit down and talk practicalities now. Talk of periods in a practical way, prepare a ‘period box’ with period underwear, different types of pads and tampons so she can have a go when she needs to (lilets do a teen box but it’s better to include a variety of products because lilets may not be suitable if she has heavy periods), talk about the importance of tracking periods and get her a chart, take her to the GP to test for anemia / thyroid conditions / pcos all of which can make starting periods miserable.

The OPs dd has autism so I'd imagine she has tailored how she approaches this to take this into consideration.

elaeocarpus · 15/12/2021 11:47

The care and jeeping of you

They do two versions, one for younger girls and one for older .

found it quite good

elaeocarpus · 15/12/2021 11:47

Keeping not jeeping ...

Original poster

TinyTear · 15/12/2021 11:48

Thanks all!
Have put some books in my basket and will review again this evening!

OP posts:

ffscovid · 15/12/2021 11:50

@TinyTear I don't think it's too late so ignore PP. My DD is also tiny (2nd-9th) centile so I knew that periods at 9/10 were exceptionally unlikely. We discussed puberty a bit when she was maybe 8 (watched Operation Ouch puberty episode and talked about it) but she didn't really have any interest.
Even now at 11, she's not interested and doesn't want to talk about it at all. She's very young for her age and still very small (height about 135cm / weight 30kg so about the typical size of a slim 9 year old). No signs of puberty whatsoever so I'd eat my hat if she started her periods soon (I was average size and was nearly 13). Most of the kids that started at primary school were very tall and / or overweight. She knows about what happens and that's enough for now. As more of her friends start I'm sure the interest will develop.

33goingon64 · 15/12/2021 11:53

Let's talk about the birds and the bees is fab. My 10 yo boy has already started puberty.

Original poster

TinyTear · 15/12/2021 11:53

[quote ffscovid]@TinyTear I don't think it's too late so ignore PP. My DD is also tiny (2nd-9th) centile so I knew that periods at 9/10 were exceptionally unlikely. We discussed puberty a bit when she was maybe 8 (watched Operation Ouch puberty episode and talked about it) but she didn't really have any interest.
Even now at 11, she's not interested and doesn't want to talk about it at all. She's very young for her age and still very small (height about 135cm / weight 30kg so about the typical size of a slim 9 year old). No signs of puberty whatsoever so I'd eat my hat if she started her periods soon (I was average size and was nearly 13). Most of the kids that started at primary school were very tall and / or overweight. She knows about what happens and that's enough for now. As more of her friends start I'm sure the interest will develop. [/quote]
Thanks!
Her bestie is nearly as tall as me so I bet she will be the first, so hope my daughter might also instigate the talk...

As mentioned before she is autistic so doesn't respond well to 'lectures' which is how i think she would see the talk. I am clear and always talk when she comes to me, so she does know about periods and so on... just have the feeling I might want to give her the books for her to read in her own time...

thanks everyone!

OP posts:

DobbyTheHouseElk · 15/12/2021 11:56

Do not buy “hair in funny places” I saw it recommended on here and bought it. It’s so awful. I don’t know who it’s aimed at but it’s incredibly confusing and weird.

Original poster

TinyTear · 15/12/2021 11:58

Thanks, also welcoming anti-recommendations / warnings
:-D

OP posts:

bendmeoverbackwards · 15/12/2021 15:26

@Ozanj

You will be surprised by how much misinformation she already knows (she will probably has girls in her class who have started their periods already). That’s why you need to have this talk far earlier.

I would suggest not wasting money on books but just sit down and talk practicalities now. Talk of periods in a practical way, prepare a ‘period box’ with period underwear, different types of pads and tampons so she can have a go when she needs to (lilets do a teen box but it’s better to include a variety of products because lilets may not be suitable if she has heavy periods), talk about the importance of tracking periods and get her a chart, take her to the GP to test for anemia / thyroid conditions / pcos all of which can make starting periods miserable.

@Ozanj have you read the OP or do you not know much about autism?

Heather3308 · 18/12/2021 16:27

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MintyIguana · 20/12/2021 08:01

@DonGray

Whats Happening to Me? Susan Meredith Usborne

Yes we have this one and it's been great. Gave it to DD age 9/10 now nearly 13 and I spot it next to her bed every now and then. And she's comfortable asking questions about it.

Chris893 · 23/12/2021 12:22

Girls do grow up fast these days! Lil-lets to a Teens range of tampons which are really tiny, applicator/non-applicator, and both regular and super are available. These could be put into the starter box for your DD to try when she is ready. Menstrual cups are more tricky to use for a young beginner, but several companies are offering extra small versions now that they are getting more popular with Mums and older girls! Again, something to know about (all taught in schools), but to try only when she is quite ready.
I have heard about a 10-yr old using a cup successfully, (good for her) but it is not for every young girl!
I heard many schools will supply cups on request under the government scheme, as well as more usual options. Does anyone have any experience of the scheme?

Heather3308 · 24/12/2021 13:23

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