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How Can I Reassure My Daughter That She'll Get Her Period?

Two of my daughter's friends got their periods, and she's worried because she hasn't gotten hers yet. What can I do to reassure her?
– Emmeline

You can start by telling her that there's no way to know exactly when she'll get her first period, but that it will occur sometime during puberty after she's experienced some breast development. Some girls start puberty at age 8 and get their period by age 9; others may start as late as age 14 and not get their period until they're 16.

Puberty progresses at different rates in different people. Reassure your daughter that it's perfectly normal to get her period a little earlier or a little later than her friends. And remind her that she can always talk to you or her doctor if she has any questions about the changes she's going through.

For more information, check out these articles:
Talking to Your Child About Menstruation
Understanding Puberty
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: October 2006
Originally reviewed by: Email us.

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