These American Girl books really helped me. My parents explained a couple things, but if I didn't want to ask I could look at these books: https://www.amazon.com/Care-Keeping-You-Younger-American/dp/1609580834
edit: Spelling
Also, they are in two parts now, which is pretty cool.
Adding in, a great book for young children is It's not the stork. It talks about everything from anatomy to where babies come from in an age appropriate manner. It also has sections on ok and not OK touch, how to say no, and what to do if something happens.
One passage in particular hit me hard, saying essentially "if you tell and adult in your life and they don't believe or help you, keep telling other adults such as a teacher, doctor, or police. Most adults want to help.". It broke my heart to think of kids who report and aren't believed :-(
Yes! Get all the American Girl books. There's a whole series on how a girl's body develops, how to deal with peer pressure, etc. Here's an Amazon link so you get an idea of what they're like. Start with this one, and get as many as you can where they are listed as "Customers who bought this also bought". I'm a female and have daughters, and I feel comfortable talking about this stuff, but it really helps if I forget to talk about something or if my kids forget what we've talked about.
p.s. You're an awesome person! Best wishes to you and your niece!
This wonderful little book was put out by John Oliver and Jill Twiss with the help of Last Week Tonight. The episode where they unveiled the book is a gem. Check it out if you want!
EDIT: you can buy it here if you’re interested.
Everyone poops.
That's a clever use of a a silly thing, I'd let him have it.
There's a great book for girls that age called "The Care and Keeping of You" they have it on Amazon and a lot of bookstores like Barnes and Noble. That helps a lot- especially if you read it before giving it to her to prepare for the incoming questions. It's also best to stock up on some pads (day use and overnight) before she starts so they're ready for her when she needs them. It's all new for her so going with you to buy them may feel embarrassing and awkward. Pre-teen girls have too many emotions to begin with, so avoiding that can help. Keep in mind that this stuff can start early- my mom got her first period at age 10- it's best to prepare as early as then. Hope that's a little helpful! (source: female. Also a nanny for a ten year old with loads of puberty questions)
EDIT some words
It's actually the #1 best seller on Amazon at the moment. Which is both hilarious and great, since it has probably earned a great deal of money for the Trevor Project and AIDS United.
I strongly recommend you send her a copy of "It's Perfectly Normal" by Robie H. Harris.
​
> The definitive book about puberty and sexual health for today’s kids and teens, now fully updated for its twentieth anniversary.
>
>For two decades, this universally acclaimed book on sexuality has been the most trusted and accessible resource for kids, parents, teachers, librarians, and anyone else who cares about the well-being of tweens and teens. Now, in honor of its anniversary, It’s Perfectly Normal has been updated with information on subjects such as safe and savvy Internet use, gender identity, emergency contraception, and more. Providing accurate and up-to-date answers to nearly every imaginable question, from conception and puberty to birth control and STDs, It’s Perfectly Normal offers young people the information they need—now more than ever—to make responsible decisions and stay healthy.
​
The book title is "It's Perfectly Normal". I had never heard of it so I Googled it. It's sold by all major stores, including Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
It has a rating of 4 1/2 stars with 2,480 ratings, so it can't be too bad.
If you want to laugh, go look at the 1-star rating reviews. Lots of Karens are outraged. It's hilarious.
I guess they want their kids to learn about sex the old fashioned way... by secretly watching porn.
https://www.amazon.com/Its-Perfectly-Normal-Changing-Growing/dp/0763668729
Get the book The Care and Keeping of You.
It's a great way to discuss body changes in a matter of fact, age-appropriate way. And it will provide a natural opening for you to mention the bad bloody nose.
Btw - have you ever tried taking vitamin K? Some people are vitamin K deficient and therefore their blood doesn't clot as well. For our family,, bloody noses is the most common clue we need to up our vitamin K levels. I haven't noticed a hormonal correlation, but it may at least reduce the severity of your bloody noses.
I ordered it too!
If anyone is interested, all proceeds go to The Trevor Project and AIDS United.
Link to book
WTF are you on about? Any age is appropriate for teaching children how the human body works. Any time kids have questions they should be answered truthfully and in an age appropriate manner.
Here’s a link: https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Stork-Families-Friends/dp/0763633313
Obligatory plug for the John Oliver's absolutely amazing book A day in the life of Marlon Bundo. https://www.amazon.com/Tonight-Oliver-Presents-Marlon-Bundo/dp/145217380X
Maybe the best political troll of all time
As most everyone replying has said, buy both! However, do not get OB tampons as they do not come with an applicator. Try to find something with a plastic (vs cardboard) applicator, as they are easier to insert. And avoid scented products, because those can cause general groin irritation.
Quick edit: Further advice. I found that having books about growing up helped me with knowing about my period. This was the book I liked most. It's slightly outdated, and might be embarrassing to buy for your daughter, but I guarantee it (or a similar book) will help both of you when the time comes.
There are age appropriate ways for kids to learn this stuff. The first thing I always do when I'm caught off guard is to ask, "How do you think you were made?" I just turn it around to see where they are at...and why they might be asking. (Obviously this is a comedy thing played for the laugh, but you wouldn't believe how similar some other stories of 'my kid asked' are to this exact thing.)
A book like this: It's Not the Stork! would also help with future explanations.
My mom was also useless here, so my dad took me to see my female primary doctor who kindly recommended this book. It includes pictures on how to shave your body, how to insert a tampon, how to measure and choose bras, and other things that she will have to learn about herself and her body. It's a little awkward, but as long as your supportive and go through it with her, I think it will be a good experience for you both!
100% of the proceeds from the John Oliver books go to charities according to the Amazon Ad
The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls, Revised Edition (American Girl Library) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1609580834/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_nk0aGbGPCNW4N
Journals, adult coloring books, art supplies.
I also highly recommend It's not the Stork. It is a basic into to sex book that explains everything at a 3-6 year old level.
It includes basic anatomy, proper names for parts, how babies are made, and safety. It talks about how families come in all shapes and sizes, and much more.
I also recommend the other books, It's So Amazing for 7 year olds to puberty and "It's Perfectly Normal" for puberty age kids.
My daughter loves the book and it still catches me a bit off guard when she picks it for bedtime stories (we'll just do a chapter or two). Oh great, impromptu sex talk tonight I see. I do my best to make it no big deal.
Agree! My family had the classic children's book <em>Where Did I Come From?</em> around the house when I was a kid, which I think was good.
But my parents were very late in talking to me about puberty stuff. When I was 12 or 13 in the 1990s, I clearly remember them sheepishly handing me some cringeworthy book with literal 70s teenagers in flares rollerskating on the cover. I already knew so much by then so the book was never opened.
First of all, I just want to say that you are a great dad for thinking of this ahead of time. It really shows that you care about your girls and their well-being through what can be a very tough time.
As far as advice goes, I know 9 seems young, but you may want to talk with her sometime soon about what to expect. Sometimes girls can get their periods early, even as young as 9 or 10, and it is better that she is aware of the possibility, rather than being frightened and uninformed if it happens before you get around to it.
Are your daughters close with your sister? They may feel more comfortable having a female to look up to and for guidance with these types of things. She can also be a good person for you to bounce questions of if as well.
There are also some awesome books out now about puberty, periods and everything else that goes along with it. I highly recommend “The Care and Keeping of you” it’s a series of 2 books, one for both younger and older girls.
Amazon Link Book 1: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1609580834/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KpSdEbE2VAFMC
Amazon Link Book 2:
The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls https://www.amazon.com/dp/1609580427/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YsSdEbH5079KS
if you expose a cat to a lot of weird things as a kitten, they're more used to it as an adult cat. like baths, strangers, car rides. riding on shoulders.
no, the cat doesn't really need lifelong baths, this could maybe even hurt the cat's coat if it happens a lot. But, kittens need to be shown a lot of stuff, there's a small kernel in that joke "all cats have aspergers".
There is an awesome book that I got my girls. I think it was. An American girl book. It went through all the changes. We would read a section every night. Then discuss. this book
No reason to lie, and absolutely fine and NORMAL to talk about sex and where babies come from even with young children. They are curious, and don't need detailed examples, but they also shouldn't be lied to.
Sex is not shameful. Sex shouldn't be taboo. Sex feels good, but has a lot of complicated feelings and potential consequences, so should be done by adults who are able to handle that.
You can google "first period kits" and see what it's included in those and make one for her. It would just require a quick stop at the store and would be a nice gesture. Usually they are a small bag/purse with a few different types of pads/liners/tampons, a small bottle of ibuprofen, some new undies, and maybe something fun like a bottle of nail polish or some chocolate. A heating pad is also nice. If you are also concerned with the messaging from your wife, go on amazon and get a book, something like this, that's specifically about puberty and starting her cycle. Or send her a link to a website geared towards that.
Wow, this post gained more traction then I expected, haha. For those curious, yes, it's for sale! You can buy it here on Amazon, but it's currently out of stock.
I guess you didn't look then. Retail is 18.99
Amazon is selling it for 11.39 40% off https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/145217380X/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Barnes and Noble is selling it for 21% off - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver-presents-a-day-in-the-life-of-marlon-bundo-marlon-bundo/1128233387?ean=9781452173801#/