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Talking to a child about this stuff is tough!
The average age in which girls start their period is 11 to 12 years old. Studies have shown girls as young at 8 can begin menstruation. It's important to talk to girls from an early age to make sure they're prepared. Respond to questions or take the opportunities as they arise and do not be embarrassed. Periods are natural.
Its better they hear it from adults than from their friends
Talking about periods shouldn't be one big talk at a particular age. Instead, start the conversation early and slowly builds onto your child's understanding. Girls and boys need reliable information about periods. So make sure you talk to your sons, too.
If your child doesn't ask questions about periods, you can bring it up. By the time they're 6 or 7 years old, most kids can understand the basics of periods. Look for a natural moment to talk about it, such as:
When kids asks about puberty or changing bodies
If your child asks where babies come from
If you're at the store buying pads or tampons
Create a period pack (contents on the advice page "for girls from girls") for your 4th or 5th grade girl to take in her backpack, if they feel prepared it will make things easier for them and for you. It will also make it easier for them to approach you when they have their first period.
Introduce them to this website, and/or the many others we have found helpful on the "Other Resources" tab.
Ask if your child knows about periods. Then, you can share basic information, such as: "As a girl develops into a woman, her body changes so she can have a baby when she grows up. Part of that is getting a place ready for the baby to grow inside the mom. The place a baby grows is called a uterus. Every month the uterus wall gets ready for a baby. If there is no baby, the uterus wall comes off and bleeds a little. The blood comes out of a woman's vagina. The body makes a new wall every month, just in case there is a baby."
Answer any questions simply and directly. People tend to use silly terms instead of truly educating kids. If you are comfortable with a subject, that will suggest there is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of, and they will be comfortable too.