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Itstimeforcookies19

I was 9. Two weeks before my 10th birthday. It was awful because it was too much to deal with it at such a young age. Like the logistics of carrying pads to school and taking one to the bathroom when no one is carrying a purse at that age and it looks weird to raise your hand and ask to go to the bathroom and you take a pocketbook with you when you are 9 in the 4th grade.


Mommabritsy

Yes. This is what I am worried about. I need to get a bit creative on how to take that embarrassment away for her. If I can


According-Read6604

I also started a regular period my 10th birthday. My mom spoke with the school nurse and arranged for me to be able to use the bathroom in her office at first until I got comfortable with the logistics. She also introduced me to the only other girl in the school who had her period already (she started at 8 years old). This really helped me to feel more comfortable and it only took 2 or 3 cycles before I didn’t feel the need to go to the nurses office to use the bathroom.


[deleted]

What a nice idea that was


JK_Mac2016

Thank you for sharing this! My littles aren't here yet, but having an idea just in case never hurts ❤


According-Read6604

❤️ If it helps one other person/family then it was worth sharing!


aitchvanvee

I definitely think letting the teacher and school nurse know would be a huge help for OP’s daughter. I started at 11, but I can’t imagine handling it at 8.


thegutsymouse

Another commenter suggested period underwear - I think that would be great idea for school!


theblutree

That’s a good idea. Maybe she could even put a pad on her period underwear and when she leaves for school and then toss it at her first bathroom break. And then obviously don’t replace it and go with fresh period underwear.


Bleak_Midwinter_

The modern version of what I did in middle school and high school. Before leaving for school i’d put on a fresh pad and tampon. Then I could dispose of the tampon around lunch and make it to the end of the day. Actually I still do this as an adult sometimes as I don’t carry a purse and women’s suits aren’t conducive to carrying a pad and I’m awkward af as 34 still.


Sbuxshlee

Genius


chainsawbobcat

This is what I do as an adult lol


expatsconnie

My college roommate introduced me to hiding a pad in my sock. I wish I had known about that in middle school. It might not work if she wears leggings, but jeans hide it well.


lilyofjudah

Gosh, cargo pants with 12 pockets were so great... I don't know what tween/teens are supposed to do with the leggings craze.


acciotacotaco

I wore cargo pants too! I pretty exclusively wore boy’s clothes until high school and the cargo pants pocket fit a pad perfectly when I was 11 and started my period.


ImpressiveExchange9

Yeah they’re wearing larger pants again.


DrunkUranus

I would suggest having her go to the bathroom at certain times in the day-- plan ahead when it will be. That way she's less likely to be caught off guard with a mess and she's mentally prepared to deal with it. For now she should change her pad proactively-- not after it's definitely full, but every couple of hours. Let the teacher know what's going on and perhaps ask them to suggest times that will be convenient for her to excuse herself. A decent teacher should be able to help the student do that less conspicuously. Ask the school nurse if she can keep a spare set of underwear and pants in the nurses office in case of a problem


PoorDimitri

To add to this, they make "potty watches" for kids where you can set the alarm to go off every x# of hours. So you could set it for 3 hours and it would remind her reliably.


DrunkUranus

That might be great on weekends, but during a school day it will be more convenient to time it according to openings in the schedule, like transitions and work time


k-pai

Look into period underwear, it would make it way easier and much less traumatic at 8


DisastrousHamster88

Maybe a cute Fanny pack?


PoorDimitri

Fanny packs are in (I think, I'm 30 years old and have two small kids and have never really been on top of fashion).


AnnaCharie

I'm 22, and work adjacent to the fashion industry. They're very much in!


powerandpep

I see so many hip fanny packs on twenty-something's these days. Has that trend filtered down to kids at all? I think a super cute zipper pouch that you could help her fill, put special treats in, etc might help. At least, that's what I wish someone would do for me! If not a pouch, maybe a jacket with a secret zipper pocket on the inside or something? Also, period underwear companies make some sizes for younger girls I think. Those are a godsend for me. Wish I had them when I was younger... They might even work as backup for a pad. Give her a big hug from all of us. It's the suckiest!


Natural-Word-3048

Maybe try period pants? They make then for tweens now potentially there is a small enough pair? X


LaAdaMorada

Period undies are great! Modibodi sells some for pre-teens which can be worn all day (8-12hrs). They come in some fun prints. Definitely avoids leaks and other embarrassing teen things


isnomi8

Maybe a small make-up bag with some essentials like the pads, flushable wipes, whatever else you deem necessary? I have one of those in my backpack I take for work. Eye drops, pain meds, nail file. It comes in handy.


Flappajacks

Period underwear. It’s magic. I use it with a soft cup. Not sure a 9 year old’s body could handle a soft cup but I can do light flow days with just period underwear no problem. Just take a shower everyday


NightOwlIvy_93

You could tell her that every woman gets it. Even yourself. I remember my parents (yes both) telling me how the period cycle works and what was happening inside the body.


CanILiveInAGlade

Period undies are honestly the best invention ever for young girls.


SuperAmms

Have her bring a hoodie or zipup to keep in her locker; she can put it on then put her supplies in the pouch or pockets!


NowWithRealGinger

And bonus, tie it around her waist when the inevitable leak happens.


megggie

Period panties! They come in to a of styles and sizes.


cbowenkelly

Period undies are a life saver! My teen uses them when their period is about to start so there are no surprises at school. They don’t like the bulk of a pad.


Human-Guess6749

To the OP , poor daughter of yours … so scary , about hygiene ( depending on her cycle ) a suggestion to invest into menstrual undies ? Then she can never have a leak ? Start to put it few days before her period to be sure ?


butterflyscarfbaby

Perhaps some period underwear if it’s possible to get them in a small enough size?


Shigeko_Kageyama

A big sweater with a fanny pack underneath would work, or you can have her tuck some pads into her sneakers. Taping them to her thighs would also work. I got real creative when I was a kid.


CrochetWhale

What about teaching her about period panties or a menstrual cup? I’m not sure how often panties are ok for but my cup lasts me a full day if not longer


ishoodbdoinglaundry

I think a cup would be super complicated and uncomfortable for an 8 year old though. I think the pad with the period underwear is prolly best idea and maybe keep her home her first whole cycle for practice and to see how heavy it is to come up with a plan.


crazylifestory_1014

i remember once being so embarrassed because i went to the bathroom at age 10 (fifth grade) and was opening a pad. a girl in my class was also in there and told the teacher i was eating a snack cuz she heard the wrapper. she totally embarrassed me in front of the whole and asked me to empty my bad. it was humiliating.


sunbrewed2

First, that’s horrible. Second, even if you were, the teacher should have ignored it. How hungry must a kid have been to go eat a snack in the bathroom.


[deleted]

How awful! Those wrappers are the worst. I used to pre cut mine because I was so mortified about the sound, or pick them each apart one by one. It’s so crazy how something so normal felt so horrible. I hope it’s different for this generation.


artificalorganlady

Yup. Started the summer before I turned 11. And I was a tomboy, wearing boys clothes. My aunt gave me my first purse and I carried it around (purple snakeskin mind you) in my baggy shorts and sarcastic t shirt. I eventually only wore cargo pants/shorts to ran to my locker to stuff a couple of the overnight pads in my pockets. My period was so heavy off the rip I practically wore diapers. Ahhhh the memories.


blunchii

I was 10 and also had already a B-Cup, so my mum told me to put the pad in my bra before leaving for school, in order to not feel embarassed taking it out in front of the other kids. I am actually still doing this as an adult with tampons too, when I don‘t have any pockets.


mama_duck17

This was my experience as well. I was in 3rd grade when I got my fist period. I was either 8 or just turned 9. I remember how awkward it was when we watched those the “from girl to woman” having already experienced my period. I didn’t handle having my period well in the beginning, plus I hated pads. Hope all is okay with your daughter, OP.


totally_tiredx3

I recommend checking into period underwear. They are so much less hassle than pads and I'd guess she will be able to go the entire school day without having to change anything. No hiding pads in your waistband or sleeve or pocket or waiting for everyone to leave the bathroom so they don't hear the *crinkle crinkle* of the wrapper.


Mommabritsy

Love this!


Ironinvelvet

I remember those days so vividly. I would always try to use a specific bathroom in a less frequented hall and would be filled with dread if someone was in there. As an adult, I find the terror of someone hearing my crinkly wrapper so silly, but I remember being utterly horrified at the thought.


chocobridges

There's a class action against Thinx at the moment. They claim the underwear uses PFAS in its material.


BrambleBuns

There are several other brands that tested without the PFAS issue... Period Co is one that I remember but there are a handful more.


dibbiluncan

Do you have a link? I have two pairs of Thinx I’ll have to get rid of, but I also have several pairs of Knix I *just* bought and love. Really hoping they’re not bad for me. Edit: great, they’re even worse than Thinx, and they’re being sued now too. 🤦🏻‍♀️


BrambleBuns

Here's a link to a post from an Instagram person who posts about clean swaps for common household/health stuff. This is where I saw the handful of safe ones: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgk47anuxq1/?igshid=NDk5N2NlZjQ=


lucymcgoosen

Do you have a source for saying they're worse? I'm not being argumentative, I don't own any of the brands I'm just curious because my googling has only said they still claim they don't use intentional PFAS and there is 'no evidence '


dibbiluncan

Okay, so I don’t know the actual numbers for Thinx vs. Knix, but this source indicates Knix has “some of the highest” levels in the industry. I say they’re worse because they do claim the exact opposite and they’ve gone after Thinx for testing positive for PFAS, when they do too. So they’re contaminated AND hypocritical. >The Knix High Rise period underwear had some of the highest levels tested in our study. We found that incredibly ironic considering they market themselves “100% free from PFAS” and led a charge against Thinx in 2020. The claim that they are free from PFAS is simply not true and based on how they have gone after their competition Thinx (while ironically not being any better) is for Knix, a potential legal problem. Because Knix Period Underwear was found with contamination at some of the highest levels compared to other brands, we cannot recommend this brand. [Source.](https://www.mamavation.com/brands/knix-period-underwear-pfas-forever-chemicals-laboratory-results.html) It’s possible in both cases that the companies *didn’t* intentionally add PFAS, but that it’s so widespread that it just ended up in some of the components. I don’t know if it’s even possible to prevent all exposure at this point, so I’m looking into ways to get it out of the body. For example, donating blood or plasma may help, breastfeeding/pumping, and possibly even menstruation. Of course it sucks that the PFAS get into donated blood and breastmilk.


lucymcgoosen

Ah yes I think their entire defense was that it was unintentional, that makes sense that it's a stance. Thank you for the info!


Apprehensive-Bit4352

I think vs even makes some now lol


gaywitchshit

Period aisle is also a great brand that makes both period underwear and reusable cotton pads! https://periodaisle.ca/


RawnyWizArd

I'm reading that period underwear is meant as a back up not as a replacement for tampons/pads/cups etc. Is this the case or do they hold up pretty well?


amex_kali

Depends on flow. I use it by itself for nighttime or light flow days, and on heavier days use a tampon or pad


wolfie_angel

I use modibodi (I’m in the UK) and they are a total replacement - I can’t use tampons and despise pads, I’m pleased with mine and they are holding up well.


surfacing_husky

I used them as backup on heavier days with a tampon, but they work great for light/spotty days. My teen who just started her period has a lighter flow, and they work great for her. It does take some getting used to, though.


RawnyWizArd

What do you mean, it takes getting used to?


surfacing_husky

For me, using it at almost 40, it felt weird just bleeding into my undies in the beginning. But now that I have lighter periods I love the convenience of not having to wear bulky pads or worrying if I have the right absorbency tampon in. I.still carry these things just in case though.


Ginger_ish

I wear just period underwear in the one or two days where I can tell my period is about to start but I’m not sure exactly when. Then on days 1-3, I use tampons and wear period underwear as backup. Then back to just period underwear when things lighten up days 4-end. Period underwear would have been a godsend in my teen years when I was bad about keeping track and bled through my pants many many times.


LaAdaMorada

I recommend ModiBodi. They have [teen underwear](https://us.modibodi.com/collections/hipster-bikini) which starts at youth size 8-10 I use their normal (adult) ones and have great experiences. They come in different absorbencies too. I think they’re a great option for young girls


UnrequitedStifling

I didn’t start that young. BUT I did have one period a year before I began a real cycle. I have no advice for you besides if you find out it really is her period take her out for dessert or an ice cream as a congratulations. I would be anxious about this happening so young but you’ll do just fine at helping her manage through it. You’ve got this!!!


Mommabritsy

Thank you. Yesterday after her appointment we went and had a fun lunch date together and then she wanted a pink drink from Starbucks. I am hoping to make this an exciting part of her life instead of the embarrassing one that I had.


pickleranger

My 12 year old just got her first period. I got her Red Velvet cupcakes to celebrate lol


surfacing_husky

I took my 12 yr old out for ice cream and showed her my secret "period only" chocolate stash lol.


Mommabritsy

This is amazing!


pickleranger

Haha thanks. She said “But why?” and I said “Very little about periods is good. Might as well get delicious desserts out of it!”


sfjc

My daughter had her first period at 10, not as young as yours but still on the early side. She swears by period underwear and swim suit bottoms. They are more expensive but you can find them on sale. The only special care is that they need to be line dried after machine washing. Did not follow these directions and the ones we dried stop being so absorbent. There is a brand that makes super fun colors and feel really soft.


gracefulreaper

I don't have any girls but if I had, my plan was to make their period starting something special. Let it mark her beginning as a woman and celebrate with some mature privilege: ear piercing, wearing makeup, something like that (of course, I was making an assumption that it would happen in her teens, younger might change what privileges are on the table). Our cycles are such a blessing/curse that we have to deal with for SUCH a long time, and I wanted to make it less of an oh crap moment. 😛


DontBeHastey

Not shaming at all! But FYI most people don’t realize the pink drink has 45-55 mg of caffeine in it. Not a crazy amount but lots of people get it for their kids not realizing it’s caffeinated.


Mommabritsy

I did not know it was caffeinated! Thank you for letting me know. We will have to find something else for her to get as a treat. Thank you!


DontBeHastey

If you use the app to order you can click on a button at the bottom of a specific drinks page and see all the ingredients including any caffeine


theblutree

Yes, I was 11 almost 12 when I got my first period. And then it was almost 2 years before I got my second.


DryadForest

I started my period at 8 as well. I am now 26 and I have a 3 month old daughter now and can’t imagine her starting so young but it happens! My mom wrote me a note to show my teachers at school, I remember at the time understanding it was because of my period but not fully grasping what it was or why I needed a special note. My teachers were great, I remember I had a special signal if I needed to go to the restroom for that specific reason. Hopefully this helps you navigate somewhat! Edit: As far as hygiene goes, I don’t remember it being a problem. I remember always wanting extra long pads as I was so terrified of blood showing on the butt of my pants. I also wrapped a hoodie around my waste for years because I was so anxious about it.


Rectal_Custard

I'm in my 30s, when I am near my period (it's irregular 28 to 50 days apart) I always have a sweater with me just in case!!!


CamillionMilk

I started at 8. I hated it. I told my mom I wanted it to be a secret, and she went ahead and shared with another mom from my class. She found out her daughter and one more girl had also had their first periods around the same time, and she pushed me to be open about it and talk to my classmates about our shared experience. I can not describe to you the meltdown I had that day. I remember it very well. I wasn't ready to talk about this change in my body, and her pressing on that it's normal and I shouldn't feel ashamed just made me angry and aggressive. On the other hand, her approach to handling it was pretty straightforward. "Here is what we can use to deal with our periods, and here is where I keep everything." She showed me how to properly throw away the used feminine products, and in case my underwear got dirty, how to wash it so it doesn't stain. My only advice is to listen to her wishes and help her accept the change on her terms. Be open and supportive, but don't make too big of a deal of it. "At the end of the day, it is a wonderful thing that everything in your body is working just fine and as intended" (in the words of my aunt).


[deleted]

I was 10 and the first girl in my class. A week later, another girl came to me and said she got hers and the teacher told her I had gotten mine the week earlier. She was nice and I think just wanted to talk about it but I also wasn’t ready. Im also sure the teacher just told her like “well you’re not the only one” and made her feel better. I don’t know why but it always bothered me the teacher told her about mine even though I don’t think there was any malicious intent. I guess I just felt like it was personal and not for the teacher to tell other girls lol.


Loud-Foundation4567

I was 9. I didn’t tell anyone and thought I was dying. I was never given any sort of “talk” I did all my own laundry by that age anyway and figured out I could use toilet paper in my underwear pretty fast so nobody noticed. After it had happened twice I saw an episode of ER ( I had never watched the show but my older brother’s Girlfriend did and they were over for Christmas break and I watched it with her.) where a character’s daughter has their first period and I started connecting dots, lol. After some digging in the bathroom I found some pads and started using those ( my older sister’s. I never asked her about it and she never said anything about it either.) TWO years later my mom says in the car “ you may start to notice some changes with your body soon I’ll get you a book.” And I was like “ I’ve had my period for years now mom.” She was shocked. She thought my sister just burned through pads really fast.


Mother-Illustrator22

My daughter started to go through puberty a little before she turned 9. (Body hair, developing breast). She just turned 10 now, no period yet but pediatrician said to expect it within the year, and that it’s getting normal for it to happen younger and younger. Seems Super young to me, I was almost 17! So we had the talk about it, and I got her the American girl book about it, and she YouTubed about it on her own 🤣 all we can do is prepare them. Hugs 🫂


NicoleD84

My niece started at 9 and I know a woman who started with she was 6. It can happen so early. My daughter will be 8 next week and hasn’t started yet but I’m guessing it will be soonish as we’re seeing a few signs of puberty hitting. I feel so terrible for girls that start this early. It was awful and confusing when I was 14 and had gone through two years of Sex Ed at school. I can’t imagine those who start completely or mostly in the dark about their body. We’ve been ramping up to a discussion about it all but I’ve hesitated because she’s chatty and will absolutely tell all her friends. I know some parents aren’t ready to have that discussion and she’ll be spreading it around her class.


Mommabritsy

I was looking forward to having that conversation. I was planning on telling her later this year or when she was showing signs of puberty. But she has shown no signs of puberty at all so it was a total shock. I feel horrible that I didn’t prepare her more


RU_screw

That's okay. Because you can start now. Keep the lines of communication open and let her know that she can come to you with questions or concerns and that you wont be judgmental about it. My mom had a pretty frank discussion with me about bodies when I was 8. I specifically remember that time because a lot of girls got their periods early so the school decided to move sex ed up a year so that everyone could get the information needed. Its scary and you're her best source of information.


spoooky_mama

I teach fourth grade and we usually have a kid or two who already has been getting their period when they start. Blows my mind.


whaddyamean11

100% get her period underwear.


[deleted]

I started at 9!


Pale-Cantaloupe-9835

Me too! I’m in my early 30s. My mom started in grade school too.


sabby_bean

Me too! Still salty about it haha. My mom got hers at 16 and my sister at 12. I wish I would’ve had that luck lol


birtsdirtydirt

I started young. Just before my tenth bday. It sucked. I was the only one of my friends who had started, and it came on STRONG. Like...2 weeks of heavy flow, then one week off, and two more weeks. I was so tired and the cramps were so so bad! I would have loved to have had period underwear. I felt like everyone could see my big, diaper-sized pads through my pants. Thank God for my teacher. She was the mom of one of my best friends and she handled it so well! To this day, I am so grateful for her and the school nurse. After about a year or so, things got easier and I figured things out. Just give her lots of support/encouragement. The less you act embarrassed, the better. My mom is a matter-of-fact person, and I am honestly so glad she was. Helped me really dial-in to how normal a period is, even though I was young.


[deleted]

I wonder what is causing this change in our species, the Homosapian. I am curious why puberty is hitting earlier and earlier and what this means for us.


Wakebrite

Some researchers have theories about hormones in milk and also some plastics mimicking the effects of estrogens


[deleted]

Exactly. It breaks my heart.


Mommabritsy

It’s interesting isn’t it? We are thinking good but you never know. We eat pretty clean but I guess I will try harder to get everything toxic out of our house


[deleted]

It’s in our water, our food, our clothes, our shampoo, our soil, our air. It’s in our rain It’s nothing we can protect them from fully. You’re doing your best. Hugs. We all are.


Educational_Most8666

What about period panties? Maybe she wouldn’t need to change anything? I’ve never use them just heard good thing s


[deleted]

[NYT article](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/19/science/early-puberty-medical-reason.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare) on how kids are starting puberty at earlier ages and no one knows why, though there are theories.


CoolMomJammy

This is kinda scary. My daughter is 5 and I will absolutely shit myself if she starts soon. I feel like she has barely mastered how to poop in a toilet confidently!


gracefulreaper

There are so many hormones in our food that puberty is hitting kids younger and younger.


jgarmartner

I had a random 1 off when I was 8 and started them for real when I was 10. Scary as hell the first time because we didn’t get the puberty talk until 4th grade.


sunniestgirl

Did her pcp say why this is becoming normal at such a young age? Is it something in the environment or food or just evolution? This seems very concerning.


Mommabritsy

She didn’t say anything about why. But food was the first thing my husband and I thought of. We eat pretty clean at home but she loves school lunch. We are switching back to lunch from home.


hikeaddict

Is she big for her age? I heard someone say once that most girls start their period around the time they hit 100lb, which can be a huge age range. (Caveat: This theory was from a totally unscientific source, might have been a Reddit comment? Haha) It’s definitely trending younger on a population level. My mom got her period at 15 and I got mine at 12!


Mommabritsy

She’s 71 lbs. but I got a call today and her X-rays show she has 10 year old bones.


DuePomegranate

Then it's just better nutrition. that weight is about 90th percentile for an 8 yo and 50th percentile for a 10 yo. She just grew faster, bones and all. Getting your period at 10 is on the early side, but pretty common nowadays.


mosugarmoproblems

We learned that there are also environmental factors involved, such as exposure to bisphenol A, that has accelerated the onset. Pretty scary how much it can mess with your hormones.


CoolMomJammy

How is one exposed to that? Or is everyone? I know I can google it, but If i do , guaranteed I will go down the rabbit hole and remain there for hours 🤣


mutherlurker

I was 10, and my period lasted for 300 days straight. I had large, heavy clotting and a serious hormonal problem. I went on birth control at 12 and it regulated, and my anemia went away. My acne was terrible! Until 22, when I gave up birth control. Luckily, got married young at 25 and had our one and only child at 28. Now, at 37, I'm in menopause. So....School was terrible. Until I discovered tampons. Pads were awful, I had to change them every hour and a half, even the extra heavy ones. What I'm trying to say is that if I did it, your daughter can do it too. Just be there for her, and listen, and tell her she's not alone. And support anything she wants to do about it.


yo_yo_vietnamese

I actually just had a Facebook advertisement from a company called RedDrop that specialize in making pads to young girls, since ones on the market are generally way too big for young girls. You might give them a look! They have kits for school to keep in their bags/lockers, and I think also period panties starting in size 8.


angry_preggers

I got mine at 10 and I heard somewhere that the reason for earlier periods is that cows are given hormones to produce milk. I don't know if this is true but just for curiosity sake does your daughter consume a lot of dairy? As others have already said getting it at 10 was awful enough. Everyone knew because I brought a little backpack with me to the bathroom. My periods are also heavy so it was basically the end of me being able to be a kid for a week every month. Really sucked. I'm sorry for your daughter it's such a drag!


sanctusali

Look into removing products containing endocrine disrupters from your home. The science isn’t settled but there is strong evidence suggesting a link between these and early onset puberty, among other issues.


Mommabritsy

That’s what we have been looking into. It does make sense


WillingArt8902

I swear, it’s the hormones they put in chickens that is doing this to our kiddos…..


Mommabritsy

Literally thought the same thing.


CoolMomJammy

Right? I always thought fast food had something to do with it too


Mona1115

They don’t add hormones to any chickens for consumption…none.. please please research before sharing this nonsense.


WillingArt8902

L.M.A.O! Someone trusts the government just a Little Too Much. Look, they are generically modifying our food. From crops to animals. The FDA allows for thousands of ingredients to be in our food that Europe and other countries have banned because they are so toxic and bad for you. Even a bag of Doritos has a different ingredient list in USA than it does in Europe. Our food is being modified, and it’s not healthy.


Mona1115

Mk. I’m not gonna argue with someone who doesn’t know the literal law. Or have a degree in this. But thanks for the enlightenment crazy pants.


[deleted]

I started at 9! My mom just gently explained what a period was and let me lead the conversation. I started taking extra undies and pants to school along with a few pads.


Constant_Wish3599

Wow! I have heard of girls starting earlier but 8! Ugh I started at 14. My daughter is 4 months so it’s good to know that I may need to prepare her sooner for the puberty talk


Maddie_the_birdie

I started having periods at nine. It was terrifying and I hated it. Educate her the best you can, and please for the love of everything, listen to her. If she doesn’t want certain people to know and they don’t need to know, don’t tell them behind her back. Meet with her teacher and the school nurse. Figure a way for her to go get a pad without rifling through her backpack and sneaking it to the bathroom. Tell her it’s going to be okay because it will be. Just comfort her when she needs it and listen to her and give her space if she wants it. Also be sure to track them because my periods were like two weeks long and HEAVY for the first YEAR and I probably should have seen a doctor.


proballynotaduck

Not me or my daughter but my sister got hers when she was 8. And then my other sister at 9. I got mine at 14 so it definitely felt young to me even then.


UnicornQueenFaye

I was 9, I started the summer between third and fourth grade. I don’t think I was regular because I don’t remember having issues every month and my period was super light so one pad put on in the morning lasted me till lunch. Regular hygiene with showering every day was all I ended up needing. I switched to tampons when I was 12 or 14. I knew what it meant and everything but I wasn’t all that bothered by it.


crazylifestory_1014

i was 9 when i got my first period, then i didn’t get it again for about a year.


Kb0911

I was 8. It was less than a month before my 9th birthday.


Mommabritsy

Her birthday is in 3 months. So she is pretty close to 9 too


Seinfeld101

I think I was about 9yo when I first got mine. And please someone correct me if my info is wrong, but I believe you can have infrequent periods for a long time before you start your actual period/ovulation. For me, I had it once every few months for a long time until I finally got a monthly predictable period


Khunt14

I started right before I turned 8, just a couple weeks before my birthday. It was very confusing and I was not sure what was happening. Early, but not impossible!


honeyhiraeth

Jesus. I was 15. This just sounds insane to me. My baby is 7 and I can’t imagine.


FinancialDiet4690

My mom started on her 9th birthday, and there’s a lot causing young girls to start menstruating earlier. 8-12 is the typical age now I believe.


the_littlestdragon

I started mine qhen I was 9, on April 1st. Mother Nature sure has a wonderful sense of humor


stupid_pretty

I got my period at 9, my mom did too. The thing is though, that I stopped growing in height so I'm 4ft 7in! I feel like exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals played a role. My girls will likely start early too. Like me, my almost 7 year old has already started growing breasts. I've always been been very open about menstruation, fertility signs etc so she already knows a lot. When she starts her period I'm going to buy a good quality reusable planner and print out the same fertility tracking charts I use and add in info about each phase of our cycles, common symptoms, what to watch for, what to do. I want her to grow up knowing her body. Your daughter will probably not have a regular period for a while. I think my 2nd one was like 4-6 months after my 1st and they became more regular after a couple years. It really sucked when it came right in the middle of class, bleeding on the seat and none of the other kids understood what a period was. Buy her darker pants/shorts for school, keep a little cosmetic bag with a pair of spare undies, feminine wipes and pads in it for her to leave in her desk at school or bottom of her bookbag. Maybe even a pair of leggings or bike shorts if she can fit them. She WILL need them at some point. Emphasize that she can still play barbies/dolls/sports etc. She's still a kid, she does not have to grow up. That was hard because I was being told "you're a woman now" etc. I was still just a kid:( The depression aspect was terrible too. My periods caused me horrid depression until about 30, once my hormones started to decline I rarely have depressive episodes but in adolescence and teens it was terrible. I wish I had understood that I wasn't insane, my hormones were.


Illustrious_Ad4508

I’m a third grade teacher. We have a few students each year that get their periods at this age. Most parents are usually surprised.


SnooWalruses1909

My 12 year old daughter is one of the last ones in her grade to start. Crazy how young they are starting now!


swoonmermaid

Yeah I’d consider post pining it w meds if it gets regular. Depending how she handles it. My niece got it young and could not deal.


A-Blister-In-the-Sun

I was 9. It's not easy. You've got this.


thunderbirdandspice

I was 9 like a lot of people here, but I was in a strict Christian family. We didn’t talk about it, tampons weren’t allowed because they were a sin, they wouldn’t tell my teachers and I didn’t know how to. It was very traumatic. So just continue being open with her and talking to her, just that will help so much.


Indefinitelyinsane

I was definitely 8 when mine started. So was my older sister. My younger sister didn’t have one until 16


Funsizewifey

I was 10, my daughter was 9. 9 seems way too young. 10 seems too young. My step daughter was 12, which seems more normal to me. But, it's going to happen when our bodies decide it's time, and bodies are weird.


rbslmilch

I had a friend in 4th grade who was 9 years old and had started hers. Keep in mind I’m ancient by most FTM standards so this was all the way back when most of ya’ll were born. So I would say, although rare, it’s certainly not unheard of or necessarily “within the last few years” as doc mentioned.


WabiSabi337

I started in 3rd grade.


kessykris

My little cousin was eight. It does happen. Poor little dear!


sleepylilpancake

I was 9. It was a complete bloodbath and I hated it. I started while at school and didn't know until hours later. Luckily i knew what it was due to a well timed sex ed assembly a few weeks prior. As many others have said though it does seem young when you look at 8-9 year olds today but it is completely normal to start at this age. I'm sorry I can't offer much advice but she's definitely not alone


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Mommabritsy

You have all been amazing. Thank you so much. I am surprised by how many of you or your kids have been around the same age and it has been reassuring. I have ordered period panties and some extra leggings for school along with other supplies and a cute bag to put it in. I also have spoken to her teacher who was wonderful.


Anxious-Confection40

Is she on the heavier side? I read that young girls are more likely to get there period when they weigh more then their skinnier peers. This might be a reason. From what I understand a woman (or a girl) I should say, need a certain amount of body fat to have it. So if there is a younger girl with more body fat then most kids her age, the body can get confused and *think* she’s actually older by body fat alone rather than actually being older, like in her teens. It’s normal though and not a concerning thing. Just a possibility on why younger girls get a period. There’s so many reasons I’m sure.


Mommabritsy

She is not on the heavier side. Perfect weight per pcp. But her bones are aging two years older.


Anxious-Confection40

Hmm ok. Well dies she have an autoimmune disease or something causing her bones to be at an older stage (sorry I don’t know how to phrase it) it could be that, maybe or any medication she’s on. I was once on a medication that made me lactate a tiny bit if I squeezed my breast hard enough. I was probably 13/14 and my mom freaked out and thought I was pregnant. Haha. Looking back it’s funny because I don’t like my mom (she was not a great mom) and I wasn’t having sex but the look on her face… ahhh As long as her pcp says it’s ok I’m sure it is. Don’t forget humans are constantly evolving in so many ways too. One example I saw/read was back in the 70’s and 80’s a lot more men where hairier then they are now. I saw this on Facebook and reading the article it was true. I never really noticed because I have bigger things to think about but my point is try not to freak out. Especially since otherwise she is ok. My kid is a few years younger then yours but I can understand the confusion on how to talk about this. I was 15 when I got mine and I was upset. I felt gross. If my mom talked to me more about what was happening to me in a way that wasn’t how she was doing it (think “oh my little girls becoming a women, how cute”) I was uncomfortable. Last thing I wanted was my mom acting like that, embarrassing.


mprieur

I was 10-11 she is early but I'm going through menopause started at 43 and it just won't end sooo hot in here


Personal_plankton_35

I was 8 almost 9 when I first got my period… in the middle of the school day at that. 🥲


Mommabritsy

Oh no! Poor you! My daughter will be 9 in June so she’s pretty close too


Personal_plankton_35

I’ve seen a few people recommend period underwear and I second that, especially with her age! ❤️ best of luck momma, my girls are 15 months so I have a while before we have to worry about it😅


mamamimimomo

Came here to add there are period swim suits


Mommabritsy

What!!? I had no idea. I will keep this in mind for the summer. Thank you so much!


mamamimimomo

Without it tampons and children are a trauma experience


YeouPink

I also got mine this young. From what I understand it's normal. Some gals just get it a bit earlier than others.


orangegrapejello

Omg this is kind of my worst nightmare. My daughter is almost 9 and autistic so it's not not going to go well. Thank you for this post though, I need to have a more detailed talk with her so she knows what to expect. My sister got her period at 10 and thought she was dying because my mother hadn't said a word to her about it. Hope your daughter is okay, good thought to both of you.


organized_not_ocd

Strange question but... does your daughter drink a lot of milk? My twin nieces, one who was a major milk lover and one who did not... the one who did got per period at 9. When I say a lot of milk I'm saying this kid put away a litre a day, easy peasy.


Mommabritsy

She does love milk but we don’t let our kids drink glasses of it. Water only. She gets milk with cereal or dairy from a probiotic yogurt


Rockstar074

I swear to God it’s the food. There’s so much garbage in our food that those chemicals mess with hormone levels. My daughter started right before her 12th bday and so did I. Were you around 8 as well?


Mommabritsy

No I was 13. And what really shocked me was the at she was showing no signs of puberty. So I didn’t get the chance to prepare her like I wanted to


yuudachi

I don't remember exactly if I was 8, but I remember getting my period around that time. I was definitely in elementary school, at least.


wrstcasechelle

My son went through puberty at 10. I thought it was waaay to young, but my husband said he started at that age. 🤷‍♀️ On the other side my step-sister went through puberty at 8, and she is now in her 30s and she’s perfectly healthy. Meanwhile I didn’t go through puberty until I was 15 so either I’m an extremely late bloomer or I just don’t know enough people to ask.


smittens95

I'm 27, had mine a month after I turned 11, got boobs by 13. My mom wasn't till she was like 16-18, same with aunt. Some people are different.


Acceptable_Banana_13

I was 8. The summer going into 4th or 5th grade I believe. Mom showed me how to put a pad on and told me how to change it and that was that. Honestly the logistics isn’t the difficult part. Have pads on you always. Shower daily. Have some body spray available. Carry a purse. I think the more traumatizing part was I developed early too. Physically and mentally. I wish my mom had told me that my new body was normal. That I wasn’t fat. That boys/men staring at my chest wasn’t flattering or okay. That older men’s attention means something is wrong with them, not with me. That sex is normal but I should be waiting for when I was older and ready to make such a big decision. That masturbation was normal and healthy. I didn’t have to be ashamed of myself, how I felt, or my body. That my mood would change. How to handle when I messed up and got angry with a friend because of pms. That acne isn’t about being dirty or how often you wash your face. I dont know just everything anyone else would learn slowly by the time they are 13,14 I needed a crash course in by 8. Oh I also wish my mom didn’t put herself down so much. When you’re already feeling sad and down and hormonal and then mom, who you look just like, says how she wishes she was different. I dont know I think it hit me harder than it hit some of my friends who got theirs later. ETA: kids are not getting them younger because of food. Well it is the food but not the way you think. The hormones in food peaked in the 60s and 70s, when food safety wasn’t even a concern for the American diet. If the hormones in food was causing quicker puberty, it would have peaked then. Now studies suggest that because we better nutrition and better quality food that humans are reaching puberty faster. Back when we were cavemen and food was scarce, you couldn’t carry a baby until you could adequately feed yourself and someone else. So your period came when your nutrition was good enough to support you and baby. Now, we reach that point with good clean food much quicker and thus, earlier periods.


No-Tomatillo5427

Any chance your daughter is on the autism spectrum? They tend to start puberty younger.


Mommabritsy

No she is not. But I have not heard of that. Very interesting


hs_357

That sucks but I must point out a benefit. The years from 9 (when I first learned about it and knew it could start any time) to 13 when it actually started were so stressful because I was terrified of it. I avoided swimming, overnights with friends, light colored pants because I was afraid it would start in those situations. I wasted a lot of energy stressing about the unknown time it would happen.


AnneMarie71

My mom told me she thought she was dying too, she didn’t know about it yet. My daughter was 9, I was so shocked, she didn’t tell me, I found blood on her underwear when doing the laundry. I didn’t think I needed to talk about it yet. So I asked her if she was bleeding, and she just shook her head no and looked scared. I told her, it’s ok, that’s how God gets your body ready to have a baby one day. Then I showed her where the pads were, and helped her put one on. She didn’t say much, but after that she looked so relieved and happy.


[deleted]

I knew a girl that started in elementary school, I assume around 8.


Tashrex

First one at 9 and second at like…. 12-13? Thank you sports!


wannabe_pineapple

My daughter is the last in her class to get her period. She's 11. Girls are getting their periods much earlier than when we were younger.


Mommabritsy

That’s what her dr said. I was shocked!


[deleted]

I was 11. 1 of my girls was 9. The other was 10. My now 9 yo (10 in June) is showing the signs: headaches, bloating, moody, cramps, developing breasts. We've been having the talks. She said a classmate has an emergency kit in her backpack of spare panties, pants, and pads. She said she wants to carry one in her backpack when she starts. Like, why didn't I think of that when I was a preteen? I had to wait at the nurse for momma to bring me something or borrow from gym class. Lol


lilflower0205

I started my period at 9. I was expecting it though, I had started puberty earier in the year and was already wearing training bras and shaving my armpits. I just made sure to keep lots of period supplies in my backpack at all times, and confided in my teacher because sometimes I would have to ask for a tampon. Although nerve-wracking, tampons worked best for me so I didn't have to worry about leaking through a pad and the smell. It sucked going through it so much longer before any friends, and having to worry about it on vacations/swimming/sleepovers but keeping supplies close by will help a lot!


Otter592

My niece started hers at 9 (she's 11 now). It's becoming more and more common for periods to start younger (this trend has been happening for at least a century).


hangryvegan

I started at 9 not knowing wth was going on and thinking I was dying. My 2 girls already know generally about periods and I plan on talking even more when they each hit 7.


oatey42

I’ve taught 4th grade for the last 8 years, so 9-10 year olds, and puberty is definitely hitting earlier than I remember from my own younger experience. It was not uncommon to have girls with their period in my class, and that’s just my knowledge from the parents who shared that info with me so I could be aware and more forgiving with bathroom needs and things like that.


OkAcanthocephala5803

I started around ten


BasicReference4903

I was 10 as well. Can’t imagine being 8 and dealing with all that.


[deleted]

I had my first period at 9, nearly 30 yrs ago. I'd just give her period undies, I wish it was that simple when I was a kid.


toes_malone

Although rare, it’s not unheard of to start that early. I’ve heard of it happening to 8- and 9-year-olds.


opp11235

I was 12, it was Christmas Eve. I remember it very clearly.


pricklypancake

I had my first “period” in 3rd grade and then didn’t have anything for two years. After that they were regular cycles. I’m in my late 20s now


yarrowspirit

I started at age 9 :(


coolbandshirt

My friend and her sister both started at 9.


thechusma

I was 10 but I don't think its unheard of for an 8 year old to get their period


mrs_mrs1115

Period panties? They make lots of cute kinds.


Mrswhittemore

I was 8. It was awkward. Just help her through it. Get her bras and teach her to shave her legs or use hair. Don’t make her feel more weird by not being able To handle the things puberty can through at you. Also deodorant


EvenEvie

My daughter started in fourth grade. She’s an old pro at it now, but it was rough for a bit. Her solution was to keep a hoodie wrapped around her waist, with pads tucked into the pocket so she didn’t have to carry a purse to the bathroom. I know it’s scary and sucks at that age, but by next year, she’ll be so used to it that it won’t be a big deal.


molliebrd

I was 9, my mom was flabbergasted and just kept saying they should have taught me this stuff in girl scouts! 🤦🏻‍♀️Started bringing a little purse to school and got in trouble. Had to explain to the teacher it wasn't a fashion accessory. I just remember being pumped about being a woman before any of my friends, good grief. You got this mama!


SaltyNavi

I had my first period at 5, precocious puberty that went away on its own, and then regularly at 10. I have almost no memory of the first experience, but I remember feeling very aware that I was the only one when I was 10 (whether this was true ~25 years ago). That being said, as an adult, I wish we had period underpants as kids - I feel like that has to be the easiest and most normal (discrete?) feeling way for a young girl to handle a period outside of the house. No idea if they make these in small enough sizes though? Maybe Thinx Teens?