Whether or not parents are ready for it, their daughters inevitably grow out of their pigtails and Barbie dolls and begin to take interest in makeup and boys. For many parents, talking to their daughters about the physical and psychological changes that take place when they begin to blossom into womanhood can be an uncomfortable and even difficult task. Especially when talking about menstruation, seemingly among the last taboo topics in American society. But parents should be prepared to talk to their daughters about periods sooner than they think.
Recent studies show that many girls begin menstruating at an earlier age than in years past.
He said that while he couldn't cite any solid studies explaining the reason for this trend, there are various theories for it. Ancog said that a child's weight may have something to do with having earlier menstrual periods. While menstruation is a significant event in a girl's life, both Ancog and Chang said that girls actually begin to approach womanhood before that. He said that the average age for breast development is between the ages of 8 and 10. Parents can expect their daughters to get their first periods about one or two years after breast development.