9 years old and got her first period

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-18-2007
9 years old and got her first period
4
Sun, 02-25-2007 - 9:29am

I am the mom of 3 girls, and my oldest daughter just turned 9 in december. I have noticed with her not to mention her telling me that her breasts have been hurting and the last couple of days she was complaining of low abdominal discomfort. i figured that the 2 had nothing to do with each other, until last night when she started her period......

so i am at the critical moment where im at a loss, lol. part of me feels that she is too young, but research sais that it can start younger than 9. I am not exactly sure how to approach this with her. she isnt overly shocked about it, nor upset, i just need to know what kind of steps i should take to help her understand this and help her through this. should I call her doctor and make an appointment for her to make sure that there is nothing physically wrong? im sure there isnt but would it hurt? how much do i tell her about life, the changes she will be experiencing, boys, and so on?

any advice would be helpful....thanks

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 02-25-2007 - 9:52am

Quick quick run out to the book store and get the book the Care and Keeping of You. It has a big section on periods and gives all the details that you may not think of or she may be too shy to ask. It also talks about things like underarm hair, using deoderant, using sunscreen, acne, moods, friends, the works. Nothing about sex, but all about the body. I highly recommend it and know that many people here have got it for their girls. 9 is pretty young but not outside the realm of normal. I would make an appointment for her Dr. after she's done, just to have a physical to make sure she is healthy overall. If she is calm about it I would just follow her lead. My DD will be 12 in May and just started last week. I knew it was coming though. She took it all in stride as no big deal. Just make sure she knows some basics like NEVER flush a pad down the toilet, to change them often (make sure she has a couple stashed in her backpack for school) and that she can ask you questions any time. I also made sure my DD wore dark jeans to school so should she have a leak it would not be obvious to anyone. Those little tricks that kids don't think about.


Because she is so young she may have a long time period before her next one. Very few kids start out regular. Good luck Mom, I swear it is harder for us than for them.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-02-2003
Sun, 02-25-2007 - 8:29pm
HI
9 is kind of young for that.I would get the book The care and keeping of you.My dd has it and loves it.I would maybe wait until after she is done and the take her to the doc for a check-up.My dd started about a year ago at close to 11.She was not have it every month for a long time.As far as talking with her I would just stick to the basic for now.If she asks questions about more then you can take it from there.I tell dd sometimes I understand your question but I need a little bit to think about it We will talk later.Then that way I have a chance to think about how much I want to tell her.Hope this helps some.
Tammy
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-02-2003
Sun, 02-25-2007 - 8:58pm
I know it's shocking, but it's not that abnormal.

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Lilypie Breastfeeding Ticker

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-26-2003
Sun, 02-25-2007 - 9:39pm

WOW, yes 9 isn't inconcievable but still young--hugs mom!


I agree with Tam--quick, make a mad dash to the book store or somewhere that sells books and get the American Girl: Care & Keeping of you!


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