Having "the talk"

Today my daughter turned 9, and while I have told her a little about puberty, I think now is the time to really sit her down and explain it. Two of her classmates have gotten their periods this year so I really need to explain things in detail now. I bought her a book, but I want her first exposure to be from talking to me. I am freaking out!! Can any btdt Moms give me any advice or tips?

Re: Having "the talk"

I can't give ou a lot of advice on "the talk" as a formal event because we have been talking to our kids about puberty and sex since day one. Ds is 11 and knows all about male and female puberty and about the mechanics of sex and how babies are made. He knows what stds are and that there are ways to prevent them. Dd who is six knows about puberty. She knows what a period is and what purpose it serves.

I truly believe that knowledge is power. Girls who get pregnant in high school (and I was one of them so I feel as though I have a right to say this) are usually girls who don't have the right information about their bodies, and who don't take charge of their sexuality and reproductive well being.

I can also tell you that if you are nervous or freaked out she will be, because she will think here is a reason for being embarrassed and nervous. And there isn't. And I'm sure she already knows a lot more than you think she does. It's incredible how much wrong information these kids circulate among themselves. Some stuff that Ds has asked me about to see if it's true would blow you away. I taught at an all girls high school and he misinformation they had was astounding.

Here's another piece of advice. When I want to have a serious discussion with Ds, I will sometimes do it in the car. That way he doesn't have to look at me. He will sometimes shut down if we are sitting and looking at each other and I find he's more likely to open up in the car.

Good luck!

Re: Having "the talk"

I have a 13 yr. old and I don't think there should be ONE "talk".
I think there should be open communication forever with your child.