I Am Seeking a Book to Help Me Explain Age-appropriate Details of "Growing Up"

Updated on July 30, 2007
E.K. asks from Lawrenceville, GA
12 answers

My daughter is eight and I would like to tell her about a woman's monthly cycle. I would also like to prepare myself for other random questions that can arise. I don't want to say too much, so a book explaining to me how in depth I should go and what is appropriate at her particular age would really help me a lot.

Any suggestions?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.

answers from Atlanta on

These two books might be too young for her but they helped my parents explain some when my sibling were being born. "What's Happening to Me?' and "Where did I come From?" by Peter Mayle They are illustrated like a children's book but it explains a bit. You can look them up on Amazon.
You might also have google up so if she asks you something you don' know, just say I don't know but let's find out.
Good Luck!

Amazon said the books are for kids 4-8 so you can be the judge.

M.

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.W.

answers from Atlanta on

my daughter is only 6 but she had many questions about the differences between boys and girls. i found some great books through amazon.com. they were age appropriate. written as well as illustrated for their age level. i went ahead a ordered the books for the talk your thinking about as well. it's in the closet for the right time. i'll check the titles and email you tomorrow if you like.

good luck

L. w

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from Atlanta on

My daughter is 8 also and I recently ordered the book entitled "A growing-Up guide" by Sandra Byrd. I ordered mine from Focus on the Family. Hope this helps!!

I just Googled the title and here is a summary on it:
Sandra Byrd's sensitive approach is ideal for girls facing the challenges of growing from girlhood to womanhood. Sandra carefully addresses the sometimes frightening physical and emotional changes girls are experiencing, providing needed information in a modest but clear way. Answers to real-life questions and mother-and-daughter bonding ideas enhance the book's appeal. Whether girls read the book on their own or share it with their mothers, it is invaluable help for those becoming the young women God desires them to be.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.S.

answers from Atlanta on

The Care and Keeping of You is a favorite in my household of girls. I purchased it for my oldest, last year, when she was 9 and I'm always catching her re-reading it. She loves that book! I would definitely recommend it to anyone. :-)

C.
www.christiesilvers.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Atlanta on

Although books would be a good reference--only you know what your daughter can handle and not handle. I mean every kid matures at different rates and the understanding of ocncepts is different--so I would simply allow her to simply voice all of her questions and then you use your judgement as her mother to explain appropriately and in as much depth as you find suitable.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Atlanta on

Whew, well sweetie... I just got slammed over the head with the actual start of the cycle with my 13 year old. We had been talking about it since she was 8 actually so I hope this will help you and your daughter. I took her to the doctor for a regular cheerleading physical and we both asked a lot of questions. This is always good. However I wonderd when she may be starting, her pediatrician told us that she she would probably start around 12 or 13 and what to look for(possible discharge. stomach pains)things like that and she also asked me how mine were. So we deduced possible 12 y/o start and went from there. My daughter and I talk about everything, and a generically written book could not tell me about my daughter since these days she is the exception to the "rule" her maturity level as all girls is different. Because we discussed it from age 8, this year when it showed up she knew what to do and was actually looking for it. she started having the discharge the week of, and later on that week she got it at age 12, a month prior to her turning 13. Because we talk, she communicates to me when she is low on wipes and other necessities. And no one else in the house knows that she is on it because she is clean about it while my niece... well we are working on her. note they are only 6 months apart! Communicate with her that is better than any book that I can think of, and itf you can be that candid about that personal nature then when she is older she will know and trust your judgement and opinion on other matters. Good Luck and God bless

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.R.

answers from Atlanta on

It sounds strange but my mother showed me the 'mensturation' page of a medical encyclopedia when I started and I understood perfectly. I appreciated this method because i was able to go back and re-read (over & over & over again)about what was happening in my body (why i had cramps & everything) it helped me be aware of my abdominal muscles so that i wasnt overtaken by painful cramps & mood changes.

Also, you are obviosly a wonderfully considerate mom; wanting to make sure your daughter has an understanding of her body but I think its important not to address this matter with an 8 year old of your pediatrician hasn't given any indication that she's about to start mensturating.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.R.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi E., I picked up a book some time ago for my daughter (even though she is only 6 right now so I haven't used it yet) but I thought the book was appropriate and it is not too overwhelming so I just went ahead and picked it up. The title is The Care and Keeping of You The body book for girls. and it is by Valorie Lee Schaefer (American Girl). You may be able to find one in Bath and Body Works they carry some products from American Girl and I do recall seeing the book there. Hope this helps.

C. R

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Atlanta on

All about me is the title you can purchase it at borders for sure. My daughter is nine and she loves it because it has pictures and very detailed. I hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I remember when my mother talked to me about that. She got some info from her gyno. There were several, some short and some more detailed. You might want to talk to them and see if they have anything that they can give you.
Just a thought. Good Luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.T.

answers from Atlanta on

Books are definitely a good resource, but so are you. There really is no such thing as "age-appropriate" details. It's a matter of what you are comfortable talking about, and how mature your daughter is. My advice would be to answer her questions honestly, but simply. Don't go in depth unless she asks for further details. At the same time there is nothing wrong with an eight year old knowing a lot about menstruation and sex. It's better she get facts from you than rumors from her friends. It will also help in the future if she knows that she can go to you to get her questions answered.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches