When is the right time to have "the talk"?

Parents often worry about when they should broach the subject of periods with their daughters. Here at PoGo, we think that no time is too soon.

Many girls will naturally become more self-conscious about their bodies the older they get. If you can start a conversation about puberty before this stage is reached, much of this embarrassment can be avoided. At a young age, your daughter is more likely to be fascinated about subjects such growing breasts like mum than being repelled by, or giggling at, such information.

The onset of periods needs a little more thought. Unlike breasts, which are patently obvious, periods are rather mysterious because the body parts responsible are internal.

Up until the arrival of a girl's first period (or any early spotting), her only experience of bleeding will be as a result of having had some form of accident, such as a cut, scratch or graze. Imagine, therefore, a young girl's thought process if she finds blood in her knickers. She will likely think that she has harmed herself in some way and that something is terribly wrong. School nurses have shared with PoGo stories about girls in this situation who thought they were dying.

Distress of this sort is unnecessary and easily avoided. It is kinder to put aside any embarrassment you may feel as a parent, and ensure your daughter is equipped with sensible information before the unexpected happens.

Most schools will have the talk about puberty in Year 6. Some will be more proactive and address it in Year 5. If you haven't had any sort of conversation already, we recommend that you start once your daughter reaches Year 5 so that she can be prepared for that significant, life-changing moment.

The information can be kept simple, and suitable for your daughter's level of understanding and maturity. It doesn't matter if the information is shared long before your daughter's periods actually start. The more understanding she has, the better she will cope emotionally and psychologically.

If your daughter has already started to ask some questions about getting her periods; has hinted that she is interested in understanding the changes happening in other girls; or has mentioned things talked about at school, this is an easy cue. You can easily build on this because she will be receptive and clearly wants to know more.

The greater challenge is the girl who is blissfully unaware of what's coming. You must take the lead. If you notice any physical signs of development in your daughter, for example breast buds, this is the perfect time to broach the subject.

Preparation at any early age is vital for giving girls the knowledge and skills to handle their periods and the challenges of puberty with confidence.