I have to say I don’t have kids but a few years back I taught 4th grade and I babysat two girls from 7 through now where one is 14.

In my opinion now is the time. You can stage what you talk to her about so it seems less scary (for you and her!). Eight does seem maybe 2 years younger than I would THINK that these issues would come up but everyone develops at a different rate and it is better to talk to kids sooner rather than have them hear it on the bus or the playground I would think.

I am sure if you poke around the internet there is a lot of free info on how to approach the subject and what things to talk about when.

Good luck! She will be dating before you know it......sorry that is probably not helping. *wink*

p.s. Love love love the new look!

While I don’t have kids, I was one about twenty years ago. I also have two nieces where I have been the go-to gal on this subject. I agree that now is probably a good time to talk to her. Not only because of the changes you see in her, but also because your older daughter has just had a child.

How you approach it would depend on what level she has already been exposed. Does she watch TV or movies that might have made references to periods or “it”? If so you could work the discussion in at those times.

Alternatively, you could talk to her while on a drive. That would avoid the awkward time where you are looking at each other and she (or you) might feel embarrassed.

If you want information or possible subject matter, you can try her school. Here in FL the students take a mini one day course on this in the fifth grade. If her school has something similar, they may be able to give you some advice.

Whatever you do, make sure she knows that if she has ANY questions, she can come to you for the truth.

Good Luck!

I don’t think it can ever be too soon really.  You just have to make it age appropriate.  I started “blooming” really early.  And I can remember my mom bringing out a book and we read it together.  It was definitely a good starting point!  Good luck!

I think now is the time for a mommy/daughter special day!
Have a manicure and pedi, get your hair done, and go to lunch, just the two of you, then take a walk or find a park with a nice view and just have girl talk.
You can never have a talk too soon.
Kids are growing up faster these days, and so many young girls are getting pregnant in their early teens, you want to arm her with all the information she needs to make healthy and right choices.

Just ask her if she’s noticed changes with her body, and if she has, ask if she wants to talk about them, slowly tell her in easy wording, about all the changes that will happen to her body soon.
You don’t want her freaking out the day she gets her first period do you?

Really, it’s the perfect time for a mommy/daughter health and beauty day.

They say girls are blooming really early thanks to all the hormones in milk, chicken, etc.  I had a friend that her 3 year old started spotting!  It was awful...her hormones were off the charts for a baby girl and she has to take medication until puberty.  I think that would freak me out. 

Good luck with Allison.  I still remember my talk in the 4th grade and was so grossed out by it all.

I wish you good luck too… I think you were given some pretty good advice around here. I also think better sooner than later. And I also think she’ll be soooo embarrassed if she found out you’ve actually written about her pubic hair;-)