Hi guys, I’m wanting some direction for my 10 yr old daughter... I need to have the talk with her about puberty, periods and sex but I have no idea where to start. Any suggestions on where I might find some helpful information on what’s appropriate for her age?
I know they discuss this in school at some point, but I’d rather she heard it from me first.
Puberty, periods and sex
Puberty, periods and sex
Posted in:
Kids
6 Replies
Girl stuff book by kaz Cooke
I think it isn’t about having a “talk” but more bringing things up as you go, or you turn it into a heavy subject. Maybe start small, next time you buy pads, tampons, tell her why. When friends visits, tell her she doesn’t have to kiss/hug them hello if she doesn’t want to and start talking about consent, body autonomy etc. Buy her some deodorant and say that she’s coming up to a time when her body will change and see if she is curious and asks questions. I have a ten year old and we have been talking about little bits and pieces since he was very young, so it isn’t a taboo subject. He knows why mum buys pads, that he’ll start getting hair soon etc.
In terms of sex, at ten, I would probably let her lead that conversation, my son knows, as he kept asking things that lead to it. I told him in a mechanic way, he didn’t bat an eye lid because I said it so matter of factly.
I started talking to my daughter at 9 we started with periods which kinda led into sex and puberty. I found a book in the local book shop that helped explain with very good pictures. We refreshed last yr and will again refresh with alittle more details this year when she's 11. Even tho she's not getting her period yet I still want her to be mindful of it so she can understand if one of her friends gets them early.
I learnt at 6 about most stuff as both my sister's got their periods at 8.. so mum wanted me to be prepared. She started with showing me what pads and tampons were and explained why we needed them (she told me that your uterus is like a wall and every month the wall breaks down and sheds, and therefore you get bleeding. She did also add in the eggs that didn't need to "hatch"). It was a really simple way to explain it and I didn't really have many questions at all. Once I was a bit older she started explaining it a bit more in depth such as sperm and the reason the period actually occurs and sex etc.
I also have a 10 year old daughter, and a 14 year old son. They have known for years about puberty, sex etc. Don't delay any further, it gets harder as they get older, not easier. School sex ed is woefully inadequate, it tells them the basics and that's all, my kids could teach that class by now! Start with puberty, tell her the changes that will happen, some of her friends may already have periods by now. Then explain why it all happens, so that when you are an adult you can have babies if you choose to. Maybe let the puberty talk sink in for a few days then ask if she has any questions, then move onto the sex talk. If she asks any questions, be sure to answer them.
I believe sex ed is part of raising a healthy, happy, smart and mature child, we have moved well past basics in our house. We talk about consent and contraception now, especially with my son who physically is already a man!