the birds and the bees

[ellywellywoo]

My daughter is nearly 11 and the time is coming for us to have that little talk althought to be honest I think she already has some idea from talk in the playground.

Can someone suggest a good book that we can read together or she can read on her own that may help explain things.

Need one that explains periods as well.
Many Thanks

[ellywellywoo]

Sorry forgot to add that I am only thinking about this because she is developing quite fast and I dont want to leave it and then the poor child think she is dying if she starts her periods without knowing the facts.

Also in June she is going away for a week with the school and again just thought we should talk it through beforehand.
Certainly dont want to scare her and want to make it pretty low key so that was why I thought maybe an appropriate book would help.

[ChocolatChip]

May I ask, why can't you explain yourself?
My mum told me everything, because her mum read to her the facts of life straight from a book when she was young, and she absolutely hates this fact and is more embarrassed about that than explaining things.
Isn't 11 a bit young? Is she even in Secondary school yet?

[ellywellywoo]

oh yeh I can explain it but just had heard that there were books out there that just make it a little easier.
My daughter and I are very close so hopefully she wont be too embarrassed.

Yep I thought that this age was a bit young but talking to mums who have older children some started their periods at around this age.

[ChocolatChip]

Yeah, I would say if she started her periods young, then would probably would be the best time to speak to her.
Us poor girls eh? Having to go through all that.

[Octavius]

Some more advice here:

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/childrenshealth /202688.html

[Ethel]

I think this is an excellent book for your daughter - it covers sex, but also discusses health, puberty, periods, drugs, bras, healthy eating and exercise....

http://www.tesco.com/books/product.aspx?R=9780 746031421&bci=4293388464%7CFacts%20of%20Life%2 0S.

It is straightforward, sensible and gets the facts without lecturing or frightening.

[Ethel]

My friend's daughter (my god-daughter) started her periods 6 years ago - she was 8.

It is becoming more common for very young girls to start puberty so you are right to be thinking of this now.

[spudqueen]

This is an excellent book. Both my sons have a copy and I had to buy a copy to send to my friend in America as she remembered me showing it to her and couldn't find anything as good in the States.
It not only tells you the facts of life but has other information including how and why to keep clean!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Growing-Facts-Life-Sus an-Meredith/dp/0746031424/ref=sr_1_43?ie=UTF8& s=books&qid=1209588459&sr=8-43

[Ethel]

Spudqueen and I recommended the same book.

I am all for books - many people find it easier to absorb the written word, and it is nice to have something to refer to and ponder over on your own.

Of course the book should supplement the mother / daughter (or father / daughter) discussions and not replace them, but to be able to look at the book together is a great starting point.

[ellywellywoo]

Thank you for all your positive answers. I will def get the book recommended.

I too think that its best to talk it through but at least if I have the book to hand it may just help if she gets a bit embarrased and like you said Ethel she may well like to read it on her own afterwards and ponder on what we have talked about.

Many thanks again to you all

[Tups]

Do let us know how it goes ....