The Nice Advice, By Leah Albert

Dear Leah,

I am a 9-year-old girl. Most of my friends are my age, but I have older friends at dance and school.

Lately, I have been hearing them talk about getting their period. I’ve even seen some of my favorite YouTubers talking about it online. They say it hurts and is gross. They say my whole body will change!

I’m scared. I don’t want to get my period! What can I do so this doesn’t happen to me?

Sincerely,

Grossed Out

 

Hi, Grossed Out. Thank you so much for writing to me! You make me smile. Your friends mean well, but really they are just as confused as you are and can’t be a reliable source of information.

I hope you have an adult in your life (besides me) that you can talk to about your concerns. Have you talked to your mom? If you’re too embarrassed to ask your mom, do you have an aunt or big sister you can confide in?

The best thing about asking someone you trust questions like these is that they love you. They’ve experienced their menstrual cycle (that’s the scientific name for a period), they know you, and give you information in a way you can understand.

They can tell you whether it feels like a scraped knee or a tummy ache, or none of those things. They can tell you what to do when your menstrual cycle happens — and even better — they can tell you how old they were when it happened to them. If they are related to you, it’s likely your body will mature at a similar age.

You’ll also learn about your body and reproductive system in school. Don’t be embarrassed. Take the time to learn about your body. This will usually happen in your fifth-grade health class. However, you don’t have to wait that long to start asking questions and getting the information you’re looking for.

I’m sorry, honey. I can’t tell you how to make sure this doesn’t happen to you. Women all over the world experience their menstrual cycle. Women of all ages, young and old.

Your body will bud, and then blossom into a young woman. You’ll have the opportunity to bear children, if you choose. Your body will always be changing. And then, when your body is ready, and you’re an older woman, your body will change again.

Life is an adventure. Enjoy it!

Leah