Young kids and personal body questions

Re: 4 year old girl and knowing about the womans body
Asked by Libby24

Question:

ok i am asking this as i have my period atm and Charlotte is asking about it as she came into the loo while i wa on there and saw the blood and asked what was wrong and got really upset.

how can i explain this to her without giving her to much information. or she old enough to understand. she is 4 and very smart for her age.

thanks Liz

My Advice:

Hi Liz,

Isn't it scary when you realise that you need to start to 'have those' talks . . . The trick here is to answer age appropriate, keep your answer short and simple and always finish with a HUGE hug . .

Being the mum of three girls hasn't stopped me from dreading that talk but it has taught me just how easily our younger ones will accept and understand . . . Some of my medications cause my periods to be severely heaving and there is always a chance that I will be rushed to hospital as a result so my kids have been told about periods but only the basics . . 

I waited until they were old enough and also asking? . .  Asking is very important because most children who ask are usually ready to take on board basic info. If a child has not asked then they are not yet reading and saying something can often do more harm than good.

Here is an example of something you could say. This is a guide only as you know your daughter better than anyone and therefore you will know the best things to say. So here is a guide:

 "big women 'grown-ups' have this special thing that happens to them every month. It is not painful and is nothing to be frightened of. When a grown up get this it makes them feel proud and special as it means that they can have babies if they want. This is called a period and when mummy gets this it means that mummy is not going to have any more babies at the moment.. A period means that mummy will bleed a little bit BUT remember that mummy isn't in any pain"

I wish ALL mums the best when talking to their little girls and boys . . Remember to always finish any talk like this with question time and also a huge big mummy hug!!

I hope this helps    . .. . .

Cheers Kellz

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