One of my girls started her period!

Well, last week I got a call from the school nurse and she told me she was going to put Megan on to talk to me. So Megan very matter of factly says "Mom, I started my period." My shocked response was "You're kidding!" To which my very calm child says "Yeah, Mom I'm joking...no, I'm serious." So I leave work,driving like there is some sort of major emergency, called my mom to tell her and nearly cried before I finally got there to get her.

She was very calm about the whole thing. We've been talking about it for a couple of years and they have a book, but I just didn't really think this would happen at 10! So, I am very grateful that I have been planning ahead for this. But her sister hasn't started and her teacher told me she was asking to go to the bathroom quite a bit the day after all this happened. So we've now had to have the talk about how even though they are twins that this may not happen for a while for her and that's ok. I think she feels like it's going to just be any day since her sister got hers.

Can I just say that they are growing up way too fast? I can't believe that I have children old enough to have periods. I think I'm more freaked out about it than she was. But definitely for those of you with 8, 9 and 10 year old girls if you haven't talked to them about this, now is the time. Her teacher said this is the second one she's had this year (they are 4th graders) and the other little girl was 9! My girls by no means are overly developed for their ages, so I expected to see more signs of puberty before this hit. The other good thing about all of this is that because we've been talking so openly about these things for so long, she has no fear about asking me questions.....something I hope continues through the very difficult teenage years.

 

I started the same month I turned 11, and I know they say girls are starting earlier and earlier. Just realize that her periods might be hit and miss for a few more months. Are your girls identical? If so, are their height/weight/activity levels about the same? If the answer is yes to all of those I wouldn't be surprised to see her start soon. If she is afraid of it happening at school (which might be why she keeps checking) see if she will wear a pantyliner to easy her mind. Since those first few periods are so random, it would probably be a good idea for both the girls to wear them. Nothing more embarrassing than bleeding through especially at that age.

 

It is a very big milestone. I once had a 10 year old start at after school day care.

We had a thread here in the adult forum asking identical women when they started in relation to their sister. There were answers ranging from the same day to upto 2 years. (we were about 10 months apart)

 

I got my first one right before my 10th birthday.

 

I was 11 in 5th grade and got mine the day after learning about the things to come! SHOCKING! But at least she knew what it was, I didn't!

 

Oh man! I am NOT ready for this. Obviously, with my 2 older dds, we have been through this (at ages 12 and 14), but with my "babies" who are both 9, I am NOT. I have a feeling they will start much earlier than their sisiters so I better talk with them about it. So far they know nothing :umm: . My fault, I know, but I want to keep my girls "little." They already are showing signs of puberty (breast budding and darkening pubic and underarm hair) so that's why I'm thinking I don't have much time.... :nea:

 

I have several friends whose daughters all started in 4th grade. It seems so early. I started mine the first day of Jr. High, 7th grade. One of my friends daughters was so upset last year in 5th grade because her daughter's period came right when she left on the big 5th grade TAG trip to Florida. What timing!

 

WOW! Good for you for preparing her. You are going to laugh at this one, my girls are almost EIGHT MONTHS(!) and I was just thinking the other day "how the heck do you approach the subject"? Why the heck am I thinking about this now? Sheesh!

 

Vicky, I'm really interested to read that your DD didn't show many other signs of puberty. I've been naively assuming that since DD has shown no signs and since she's really tiny for her age, that she won't be starting anytime soon, but maybe I've got my head comfortably in the sand.

I was VERY late myself -- 9th grade -- so I'm thinking that DD will be late, too, but at least we have talked about periods somewhat.

 

QUOTE(BGTwins97 @ Apr 29 2007, 01:21 PM) [snapback]237460[/snapback]
I was VERY late myself -- 9th grade -- so I'm thinking that DD will be late, too, but at least we have talked about periods somewhat.


Wow, I thought I was the only one! I was 3 months shy of being 15. Hope mine are more like me!

 

I got mine when I was 10 too.

 

Your baby is growing up, mommy!!! :hug99:
I started mine right before my 10th b-day and my mom has talked to me about it before so I was very calm too.

 

I had mine on my half-birthday when I was 12. I was crying and crying, I really didn't want it at all! I remember my doctor had told me to expect it about 4 months after it happened...

 

i started at around 15 yrs old... i was a late bloomer for everything. god, my girls jsut turned one, and the other day i was like god we have to buy diapers and wipes at costco...well i guess when they get that old we will be stocking up on pads and tampons from costco instead ha!

 

Wow, Katheryn, I can't believe you haven't told your girls anything. I hope since you posted this, you've given them a little warning, especially since you said they've showed other signs of nearing puberty. I've talked to my girls and I got them each a book called "The Care and Keeping of You" which is an American Girl book. I think it gives enough basic information without going into some of the more sexual stuff that some books do. Those can come later! I started mine when I was 12, so I'm hoping my girls will be a bit older as well.

 

I started mine just two months shy of 12, my daughter is 9 and she already knows about changes that may happen any day. Your daughter seems to have been very calm about it, Maddie is still totally freaked out.

 

Jennifer, I bought my girls the same book when they were 8 and they loved it. I'm so glad I did since she started so early. I feel like that book is very age appropriate and opened the door to communication. They would read something and then come ask me about it if they didn't understand it. Plus you are right, it doesn't delve into the sex aspect at all.....it's all about their changing bodies and what to expect and how to take care of themselves. I would recommend it to anyone with young girls.