I recently read some information from Canesten ®, they believe if you feel more comfortable with your own body you are more likely to reach your full potential. It made me think about the year I have had and how I could really do with 2017 being a fantastic year. They have started a campaign called “Mummy Conversations” encouraging Mummy’s to talk to their little ones and make sure everyone is comfortable and confident in terms of the female health.
This year has been quite stressful, I started off with good intentions but as the year has progressed I ended up giving up all the things I was enjoying. I stopped running, exercise classes, crochet, playing on my piano and I haven’t written a single song this year. I became fatigued, all of the time, and just miserable. But in reading information from Canesten® I am getting into the New Year spirit with positivity and ready to start 2017 with a bang!
So first things first, I have been struggling over the past few months with my body and Isla has too, bless her. She is constantly telling me her personal “place” is stinging. She is so sensitive to bubble baths and shower gels and that can lead to all kinds of intimate health issues. I cannot imagine how bad she will suffer when she hits puberty and we come across things like Thrush. I have explained to her about wiping from front to back, to make sure it’s as clean as possible and I even got her some wet wipes to use when she is having a stinging session. I make sure that she has bubble bath and shower gel that is for sensitive skin, so it is mild and less likely to cause her inflammation. I feel so sorry for her. I wear panty liners since having children and when she is having a particularly bad day, she puts one on too and gets comfort from the fact she is being like Mummy! I do think there is merit in having an airing session, when the children were babies we took the nappies off and had bare bum time. Doing this now, gives Isla the chance to get some air to her bottom and this helps too. As Isla gets older and develops there is no doubt I will be talkng to her about what us ladies have to put up with, from periods to Thrush symptoms, the perfect products to use and general cleanliness tips. At four years old I know that now is not that time, but I answer any question she has honestly and I believe we have a good foundation for when she is older and ready to have more in depth discussions. Education is key! I don’t remember sitting with my Mum and talking about intimate health and all things that coincide with that. I remember being really frightened when my first period started and I don’t think I have ever told my Mum I thought I had Thrush.
I think I have been suffering with mild doses of this since having the coil as my method of birth control. Whereas the positives of this are I do not have a period, suffer with period pains or have to worry about getting pregnant again. I do suffer with these symptoms and I wonder if it is because of the stress I have felt this year. Feeling tired and fatigued, wound up and not keeping my body fit and healthy must definitely have effected things. Being able to self-diagnose helps though, going to see the doctor or nurse about intimate things can sometimes be the ONE thing you want to avoid. Even after giving birth, twice, the last thing I want is someone poking around down there!
So as we approach the end of the year, I am going to focus on making time for me. Being happy. Spending more time with friends, I am a social butterfly after all, doing things I love: crochet, my piano and I will start writing music again. Hopefully I will have a healthier, happier year than 2016 and most of all, thanks to Canesten ®: be at my full potential!
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I defo agree with a lot of the thjngs u have said. My little girl sometimes struggles with soreness sown there and i do worry abour makIng sure she wipes Properly. She also askS lots of questions about what is in my pants etc but she is only 4 and i dont want to go into mega detail jusy yet
When you both feel comfortable, like Isla my girl suffers with soreness from time to time and luckily she is comfortable talking about it too.
I really do not like to put AGE on these things – Everyone and every child is different and it basically boils down to when you are both ready. The importance of wiping and cleaning can be instilled as early as possible and form a foundation for further discussions
10 -11 WHEN THEY ARE NOTICING CHANGES IN THEIR BODIES
When they are going through puberty x
From the age og around 9.
I would say around 9 years of ages
Around 10 or 11, when their bodies are changing and they are able to understand better.
I would say around 11 but it really depends on the indiviual child, thanks.x
around 10 years old .
I can understand how you feel as I have experienced it myself
If it hasn’t come up before, then age 9/10 before they get too self conscious to listen
it will vary slightly but as soon as they are old enough to fully undestand, maybe 10 or 11.
i think the sooner the better, just the basics to start with and if they start asking questions to talk more
There should be no right or WRONG age to talk about this with your child. My daughter is 11 and until she mentions anything to me then it won’t be discussed. Every child is c different.
it depends on the maturity of the child, I think around the ages of 9-10 .
around 10 years old .
I think you will know when the time is Right, when that child seems mature enough to understand what you are saying
I think around 11 is a good age to discuss it. however if they had any questions at an earlier age then i would give them an age appropriate response
10 or 11 seems about right.
As soon as they are old enough to understand
I think around 11ish when the child starts to mature and develop physically
I think the age is 13
I think Year 7 age which is approx. 11 years old as it’s around the time girls get their first periods and the changes start in the bodies of both genders
I would say around 9 years of ages
between 9/11 years but depends really on the child and when puberty strts also
When they go through puberty and start to ask questions.
Around nine or when the child is ready, and make the chat normal as possible
I think around 10-11 is appropriate. I only got the very basics from my mum, I think she was embarrassed. Anyway, I had a couple of unpleasant experiences in my early teens which I was ill prepared for, I would hate that to happen to my daughter.
Tracey Belcher- I argee with you. whenever they ask questions is when they should be answered!
I would say When they are going through puberty
When they are mature enough to understand the importance of the discussion
Taking care of your body is important. using accessible terms from a young age, and making children aware of their bodies and how to communicate when something doesn’t feel right is important.
As early as possible. My twins are now all grown up but we have never been shy to talk about intimate things together and if they asked questions, I answered truthfully and factual 🙂
I think between the ages of 9 or 10.
I don’t think there’s a specific age, it depends on the child’s maturity..If I had to say an age, I’d probably go for 9-10 years old
Depends on the child and when they also start asking questions.. but be honest on a level that they understand.
It depends on the child and of course if the conversation has come up for another reason but, I would say around 10 or 11
With puberty starting younger and younger, I think perhaps 9 is about right- but everyone is different
I talked to my son whenever it felt appropriate as he grew up. By talking openly about things they’re just as normal as anything else. now he is grown up he can and will talk to me about anything!
I think around the age of 10.
I think around the age of 10/11
From the age around 9.
12
i would say about 11 or 12
I think 11/12 is a good age but it depends on the maturity of the child in question
Probably at about 10 or 11 just before they go to secondary school or reach puberty. Its important as they should not feel scared about talking about such things.
I think everyone reaches maturity at a diffetent age.
I know my eldest one is definitely more open about this stuff then i was.
about 10 or 11 seems the right age
probably about 11 seems a good age
I think it depends on the child but i would say around 8-10 years od age x
10 – 11
When they are going through the physical signs of puberty is usually when they are also mentally ready
when they are in their teens – possibly sooner
i think just before teens, so that they are prepared for change
i’d say About 12 or 13 when a child is old enough to understand.
Thanks for a fantastic giveaway 🙂
I tHINK ABOUT THE AGE OF 11 (JUST BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL)
It will vary from child to child, but when they’re old enough to understand bits, introduce it gradually, but early enough so they are comfortable talking about intimate issues from a young-ish age, if you don’t start until nearly puberty, they’ll likely just find it embarrassing.
i think 11/12 but all parents know their children best and will know when the time is right.
About tHe age of ten or whenever they feel like talking about it.
Around age 9. Children start puberty at different times and kids talk at school. Make them Feel relaxed talking about personal things
i think its pretty INSTINCTIVE and dependant on your child. 9plus would be the youngest for me.
7/8
wE ARE VERY OPEN ABOUT MOST THINGS SO i WOULD SAY AT THE LATEST 10-13, BUT THEN IT DEPENDS HOW MATURE THEY ARE. i WOULDN’T WANT TO KEEP THINGS SECRET OR BE PRUDISH ABOUT IT.
I personally think aroUnd age 12 but i think it depends on the iNdevidual child. I think it is really important to have a good open relationship so they can cone to you to discuss anythink they need to knoW.
about 9 before they find out elsewhere
Around 8-9 or whenever they start asking questions….it depends really on how mature the child is 🙂
I would say around 9 years of ages
ABOUT 9 BEFORE PUBERTY AND HIGH SCHOOL
as soon as you can but age appropriately 🙂
I think around age 10 is probably About right but it really depends on the child & the situatioN
I think that you should answe their QUESTIONS honestly whenever they ask.
Id say around 10 is a good age but it depends on the child
I think about 8 so they get comfortable talking about their issues.
I think as soon as they start asking questions and certainly before they start secondary school, because if it’s something you’ve always spoke about, it makes not such a big deal.
I think 8 or 9 is a good time to raise this kind of thing.
As young as possible as long as they are ready/
when their going to secondary school, but throughout childhood to make things easier
Think about 11ISH, DEPENDS HOW MATURE THEY ARE
8-10
I THInk you can start from a fairly early age
I think when children start asking questions – just make sure the answers are suitable to their level of understanding.
I think about 10 years old as it’s important to have a chat before they reach puberty. But it really depends on the child
I think around age 9/10 but if they ask QUESTIONS sooner, it would be better to answer honestly! I was brought up by my dad and lived with my two brothers so i had no one to ask about things that were going through my mind! It can be scary so i think its great to normalise tge topic!
Around 8-10
PErsonally around 10 years old would be the best time to have the talk
16 is best age
I would say at about aged 10 or 11 would be the right time.
when they start questioning things
I think the rIght age depends on the child but generally once they’ve started primary school.
When they start asking questions, with age appropriate answers
I will discuss with my daughter as soon as i notice changes in her mood, skin Or if she tells me shes strugglinG, i had my first period At 11 and also struggled with my mental health starting with OCD at This age tOo
I think about 9 or 10 depending on the child
i think you should discuss as soon as the child starts asking questions so that they feel comfortable coming to you for advice
Whenever it feel right for you and your child, giving as much or as little detail as required and as they will understand. It is more important that they feel they can talk about things as and when they arise
only when the child is ready for it, WHEN THEY ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.
around 10 i feel is a good age
When they start to ask questions and are able to understand the answers, it will be different for each child
I would say around 8 or 9
Being a mum of 4 I have found each child to be different. My eldest never felt comfortable talking about intimate things until he was 13, i didnt feel the need to push it and knew it would just happen on its own, my 2nd son feels find talking at 10 and my daughters are happy to discuss anything at 8 and 6. I think you know when to start talking its just easier for some earlier and others need a bit more time.
I would say around 9 years of ages but depends on how mature they are
i think there isnt an age if a problem ARISES DISCUSS it then HOWEVER i do think its good to explain to children if they have any issues with OTHER areas THAT it is ok and that they should tell you right away x
At whatever age the questions start to arise, but answered in an age appropriate fashion.
Child dependent … For example with my son he wouldnt have wanted to know anything until high school at the earliest .. but with my daughters I think 9 ish is about the right age as some of their friends or themselves may start developping that early.. however basics can be done earlier !!
I don’t think there’s a set age, it depends on your child maturity, but the younger the better, so they know they can talk to you about it all.
11-12 years old
so tricky! I think it depends on the maturity and inquisitiveness of the child. I think it is important that all children need to know it is important to wipe/wash/keep clean down there! and then answer the questions as they come as honestly as possible.
From as soon as they are old enough to understand and communicate so not to make taboo of such subjects
I think when they start going through puberty is a good age to start!
I think it varies depending on the child. My daughter had a talk at the end of middle school with all her year. As she asked anything i would answer it
Around 9 or 10
around the age 11-12
i’d say about 10 years old but earlier if they start asking questions
As soon as they start puberty
ALL CHILDREN GROW AND MATURE AT DIFFERENT RATES, BUT I BELIEVE WHEN THEY START ASKING QUESTIONS AND COMING OUT WITH THINGS THEY HAVE LEARNT FROM KIDS AT SCHOOL, THEN I BELIEVE IS THE TIME.
I think about 10 years old is right
From mid primary cjildren are developing so quickly and are much more aware -no longer a taboo subject
When they start to ask questions at 10-11
I think between 10-11, but depending on how grown up…
I think when you feel they are old enough to understand, each child is different xx
Depends on the child.. like my niece has had quite a few issues with sorness and infections so she is always in the doctors but shes only 3 but i think she realises now, and she Knows she needs to wipe properly otherwise she will get sore and have to have the horrible meDicine that she doesnt like haha!
iT definitely depends on the child, you can’t say one age for all of them.. but i think you can tell e.g. when they start asking questions or if they have any issues etc.
When ever they start asking
I would say between 10 and 12 but it depends on how developed is your child. Its lawys good to start early so that kids know that it is nothing to be scared of
Around 9-10
I think the right age should be around 10 when the child is ready to talk about these things.
About 10 or 11 depending on the maturity
WHen you think time is right 10-12
I think about 9 or 10 before they start senior school
I think between 10-12 every Child is different but you should have an idea when the right time is and when they are ready
When they start asking questions as they all mature at different rates
as soon as you can the earlier the better as it makes talking about othervissues easier
Probably 11/12 years old.
my youngest is 6 and we talk openly about everything and she understands that is something isn’t right to come talk to me, so if she is ever sore due to not wiping correctly or a wee infection she can come to me without been embarrassed about it,sheknows a lot for her age but with it she understands so much
Every children are different. The right age for me Is about 8-9
From about the age of 10, when they are old enough to be aware of their bodies and how they work but not too embarrassed to discuss intimate issues
Its hard to put age on it as my son is only two so dont have to think about it for a while
Every kid is different so I think its best when they ask.
I think it depends on the child – once they start showing curiosity about their bodies might be a good starting point for age appropriate discussions
10 to 11
I think you will know when the right time is, too young and they may not fully understand so maybe 9 upwards.
Around the age of 10, or before if they are having changes or problems.
AROUND 10 OR 11
10
as soon as they are old enough to fully undestand, maybe 9 or 10.
This is such a lovely personal and caring blog. Uour Daughter has a brilliant MUmmy
about 10 but it depends on the individual child i think
Depends on the child – but I’d say around 10/11 sounds about right.
I think that you should discuss it at the time that is suitable for your child, my 11 year old has known all about periods etc since she was around 7 due to somebody at school scaring her and telling her she was going to constantly bleed when she got to big school however my 7 year old is nowhere near as close to understanding it all
I feel that instinct and knowing what age your childs ability to understand the subject is key. My daughter was younger than my son before broaching the subject as i felt my daughter was more mature and able to understand more than my son at her age.
So sorry that was meant to say my one daughter was younger than my other daughter (not my son )
as soon as they are old enough to understand properly x
When the time is right, no point forcing It otherwise it would be uncomfortable and wouldn’t mean anything!
Around 10 or 11
I truly believe that we should maintain that honesty and openess with our children that we share from their very early years that we spend changing their nappies, talking about going on the potty and cleaning ourselves properly afterwards. Good Hygene is a habit well learnt and even better practised…never be afraid to share your thoughts and concerns. x
I will wait until they start asking questions and i feel ĺike they are mature enough to understand. My daughter is 7 and she is already asks lots of different questions
When they start asking questions it seems fair to give answers however it really depends on the indivual child. i do believe however that everyone has a right to know how their bodies work you just have to tailor their education to their needs.
I think about 9 years old but each child is individual and you will know the best time for them.
I think you should base the age you discuss with your children on their maturity level. Being open with them from day one allows them to feel comfortable enough to tell you if something is wrong rather than being embarassed. Although they should be taught it’s a private area for a reason they should also know that they can come to you if they are uncomfortable.
When they are teenagers.
I would say around 9-10 years of age
every child is different, when you feel the time is right
about 10
I am not sure when you think they are ready and I guess that can vary from child to child x
It depends on the child but i believe 11-12 years old would be a good age
I think it depends individually you can’t really put an age on these things
My Daughter is almost 10 and im lucky we have a closeness where she feels she can come to me about anything. Ive always been honest and open with her and when she asks we’ll sit down over a hot chocolate with marshmallows and have a girly chat, i remember being so mortified when we had personal chats in school IN FRONT of the whole class and got thrown some sanitary towels.. i think mine stayed UNOPENED for the next four years! Every child is different and matures at different times but i think its important they are assured that its a change we all go through and nothing to be at all EMBARRASSED about 🙂 also ladies…fruitshoots and strong juices (especially orange) used to burn my daughter horrendously down below! cut them out to sugar free squash and she hasnt had a problem since xxx
Around the age of 9 or 10 Before their friends start filling their heads with rubbish
When they are about 9/10 before they hit puberty.
Probably 11 or 12 depending on how grown up they are.
I’ve always been very open with my girls and started talking about intimate health from around 7-8. If its introDuced early then it saves embaressment as thry get older i found.
I think It’s really important to always be open with children about their bodies. Growing up I always felt I could talk to my mum and ask her any questions I had & I will try to be the same with my children when I become a mum. I think it’s vital that children don’t grow up feeling ashamed or embarrassed about their bodies. I will teach my children how to look take care of their intimate health at each stage of their childhood as their independence gradually increases through into puberty.
i feel that when they ask questions to answer in a way they are able to understand and then when they get close to having the sex talk at school is a great time to carry on the conversation so they are able to understand what needs to be done to keep a healthy body
where health and hygiene is concerned then the earlier the better, but generally i think conversations happen naturally when a child is ready to ask and know the answers to these things
Honestly, I have no idea, I think all children are different and only the parent can judge when they are ready
I Would Say Around 10 years
maybe age 11, depends on the child
Round about 11
I don’t think there is a right age. It comes down to when you feel the child can understand and retain the important information about it
It scares me that my daughter will be 8 this year and potentially beginning to go through things like this
iTS A hard one to call as all children develop at different ages, some might be ready before others, i think deep down you will know when the time is right, until then just let them enjoy being kids
I don’t think it is possible to pin point an age as children vary so much. It should be when the parent feels they are ready.
Depending on how mature the child is I would suggest between the ages of 10-11 before puberty kicks in but i would address all questions raised honestly as and when they happened
Start early, but perhaps pad out the conversation a bit fuller from around 8.
At any age, its important to be open about things which could become more EMBARRASSING the older the child gets. I want my children to feel comfortable asking me anything!
I think the right age to discuss intimate things is before they go to senior school before they can receive false information from other children
What an interesting and honest post. I think a lot of us find it hard to discuss intimate health issues. i have a daughter and i have tried to be as honest as i can with everything. She is 11 and I would like to think she can always ask me anything but I know as she gets older she may get embarrased. Thanks for the chance to win an Amazon voucher that would amazing x
I bought my daughter a book when she was 10 x
10
Depends on the child and how curious they are. Maybe age 10 if they haven’t asked anything before that.
I think before secondary school
Approx 10 or when stArt asking quest
i agree im not a mum but it can be so tough i look up to mums as i looked after childern before and it was tricky your all heros mums of the world so strong and powerful
Around 9-11 and before secondary school as there is a lot of information/misinformation about
I don’t think there is a specific age. I think it depends on the child
I Dont think there is an age. Just drip feed the information as they grow up so that it never becomes an issue.
I think it depends-on how mature or shy your daughter is. I think ensuring she is comfortable talking about these issues is important, as is answering any questions as and when.
i think it depends on the child. I think you just know when it is right.
I agree with what most have said, it all depends on the maturity of the child there wouldn’t really be a set age. once they’re old enough to understand i would go for it
I think it would be around 10 years old
Prefer to come from us so they feel they can talk to us
I personally have spoken to my daughter about this since she was about 10 years old. Shes 14 now. I think you know when the time is right with your own child
Around the age of 8 or 9, shortly before starting puberty.
I think all children are different and parents can gauge it by the questions they ask and the normal conversations about our bodies.
I don’t think you can really put an age on it, you know your child aND WILL KNOW WHEN TO HAVE THESE CHATS.
It depends on the maturity of the individual child.
before the teens
When they start puberty
I think it depends on the child & how open the parent has been to start with, purely a judgment call 🙂
I don’t think you can specify an age, but just before puberty sounds appropriate.
My.little girl asked lots of questions from the age of 6 so i told her what i thought was appropriate for her age.
HOPE THIS HELP SOME WHEN MY DAUGHTER WAS EIGHT SHE HAD SOME TROUBLES AND WE TOOK HER TO THE DOCTOR TURNED OUT SHE GOT ECZEMA AND WAS ALWAYS SORE SO i SAT HER DOWN AND TOLD HER TO APPLY HER CREAM DOWN BELOW AND TOLD HOW MAKE SURE WIPES CORRECT AND i EXPLAINED TO HER ALSO ABOUT PERIODS AND EVERYTHING SHE NOW WELL CLUED UP AND HELPS HER FRIENDS WHEN THEY HAVE PROBLEM SHE NOW 17 AND AND i AM GLAD i TOLD HER yOUNG AS i KNOW SOME GIRLS WHO STARTED YOUNG AND HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS AS YOUNG AS TEN .X
Maybe around 11 or 12, it depends on the child.
12
12
Every child is different. You are the one to know your child best and what info to give and when. Being open from a young age helps 🙂
around 11 years old
I think whenever they start asking questions and become inquisitive, is the time to answer. Normally about 9-11
While I think every child is different and its difficult to suggest one particular age I think its important for them to understand and expect things so that they aren’t scared or surprised, I will probably start chatting to my children from about 9 or 10
Depends on how bright the child is, but as introduce the ideas as soon as they’re willing able to understand then take it further at a later time
10 or 11 but it completely depends on the child, you can tell by the types of questions they start asking
I would say it’s different for all children but i think you will know when the time is right!
When they are going through puberty
I would say it depends on the child as all children are at different stages. Some don’t ask questions others do.
Straight away! Getting kids to feel comfortable with their bodies is the best way I think
i think around the age of 10 yrs old
Every child is different but I would say around ten would be an appropriate age.
JUST when you are both comfortable and they are old enough to understand
I think every child is different and some will ask questions earlier than others. I think when a child starts to ask questions it is best to answer as honestly as possible in a way your child can understand.
When they start to notice things and ask questions. I always answer their questions as honestly as I can with as much detail as they need to know that is appropriate for their age at the time. They have a talk in school at about age 9 or 10 so I’d explain some things to them before this.
this come gradually, preferably before they are caring for their own hygiene as they are not so open to discussion then.
I think every child is different
I think it depends on the child. As a parent you know your child better than anyone, but as a guide about 10-11 when their bodies are changing and they’re starting to notice it.
Around 10 unless a health issue comes up or They ask questions themselves
around 10 years old
I think that it is ok to start talking about intimate health when you both feel comfortable.one of my daughters i could speak with earlier than the other as both developed at different stages.
about age 10-11 is right age in my opinion.
10 my daughters age
Around ten years old, but when it feels natural.
I would say between 9-11
I started talking to my daughter at the age of 9 when she started showing signs of puberty.
i Believe it depends on the individual child, I think it is important at all ages to taylor the way we talk to their age, I therefore am unsure on putting a specific age
When a girls body starts to change msybe year 5
I think it really depends on how quick the child matures 🙂
Around 9 years old.
around age of 12
I’ve had the Pants Chat with my 8yr old following advice from the nspcc website. We’ve discussed our private areas how to clean that area and whats appropriate and what isn’t. As for puberty i will wait until shes about 10.
12
My little girl is 3 and knows about periods already as she’s walked in on me. i’ve only told her the basics but she knows there’s nothing to be scared. i think towrds the end of primary school is best for more in depth conversations
Whenever the time arises – there’s no set age as such.
I think it depends upon the child, when they understand then that is the time to tell then
I think when they are mature enough but before high school as they need to know everything
When you know the time is right for your child
10/11 – bEFORE THE SCHOOL Starts covering such topics
Probably at about 10 or 11
I would say age 10 or 11 years.
I think at the beginning of puberty.
I have started to talk to my daughter aged 8
I think at around 12
I think when you feel most comfortable (and so does the child), but definitely by puberty, it’s so important .
around 10
NINE OR TEN
I don’t think you know until they’re actually ready – each child is so different
I think it depends mainly on the child but when they start asking questions i think is a good time
you will know when it’s the right time when you start getting questions and in the meantime explainging the importance of being hygenic etc is important it’s going to be around the time puberty hits i’m guessing
We talk about making sure bits are clean but at the moment that’s as far as we have gone. I’m not really sure if I’m honest, I just know I want it to be younger than when I was told (11 and just starting my periods).
about 10 years old
i DONT THINK CAN SAY AN AGE AS EACH CHILD IS AN INDIVIDUAL. tEACHING PERSONAL HYGENE SHOULD START AT POTTY TRAINING BUT MORE iNITIMATE DETAILS SHOULD START WHEN UR CHILD IS READY, I THINK EVERY PARENT KNOWS WHEN. (AN IDEAL TIME IS PROABABLY IF DUE A YOUNGER SIBLING INTO THE FAMILY)
When they are noticing changes in themselves and start questioning about their bodies. Each child grows up at different rates and some are more inquisitive than others. i think you can be truthful but be age appropriate in how you answer questions too.
think it depends on the child but say around 9 or 10 yrs, think its good the understand how/why their bodies changing so they don’t worry needlessly
I think about 10 years old, when their bodies are start to show signs of changing
As soon as they start asking questions .
it’s really important to discuss good hygiene as soon as potty training starts and how to wipe properly. I have 3 girls, the eldest is 8, i still think it is too young to go into details about intimate health too much.
as soon as they are able to understand and take interest
I THINK ABOUT AGED 10-11 YRS IS THE RIGHT AGE ITS IMPORTANT TO TALK HONESTLY ABOUT THINGS SO THEY GET THE CORRECT INFORMATION
I think each child is different. For us our daughter started asking questions about about 7
I think it depends on the child, so whenever you both feel comfortable
I think from 8, when they’re a bit more mature but also approaching puberty.
ithink it depends on the child
around 10
I think when the time is right for both of you. When you are comfortable or feel the need to talk
as and when need arises
whenever they start going to the loo on their own, so they know not to wipe back to front
From as soon as they can talk and communicate. It should be as natural as discussing anything else.
I think they are never too young to talk about basic preventative measures for soreness that you have talked about like the correct way of wiping and keeping yourself clean. I’d probably discuss deeper when my daughter seems ready or when she starts to question me. Not shying away from these ’embarrassing’ subjects removes the shame and taboo associated with them and empowers our daughters to own their own bodies.
I actually think it should be part of your general routine from as young an age as possible – discuss it whilst bathing etc – that way then as they get older it wont be a taboo or silly subject it will just be something they are comfortable chatting to you about
as soon as they ask questions!
i’m open with my children and answer any question honestly. I’ve spoken to my 10 year old about puberty and sex.
I Don’t think there is a right or WRONG AGE THE PARENT KNOWS THE CHILD BEST AND WILL DO IT WHEN THEY FEEL THE TIME IS RIGHT, YOU JUST KNOW
I would start age appropriate conversations quite early on 5 – 7, it’s good to learn them young and to learn them to be comfortable to talk about it.
In The final year or so of primary school so they have all the facts before going to secondary school.
I think age 11
I think that from the age of about 9+ is right. BUt also depends on the child
i THINK ITS DIFFERENT WITH EVERY CHILD, MY DAUGHTER WAS ABOUT 8 WHEN SHE WAS READY AND BEGAN TO BE CURIOUS ABOUT THINGS
Having 3 children i think you know when the time is right
I feel the best time to talk ab these issues is when your child seems ready. I believe in being as honest as Possible
I don’t think there is a right or a wrong age. Every parent will know when it is time to start discussing such issues with their children. Introducing these topics SENSITIVELY early on can be really helpful in supporting children to feel COMFORTABLE, rather than EMBARRASED talking about it.
It Depends what questions your children ask and how appropriate you feel it is according to the individual child
I have Three daughters and we openly talk about hygiene . When they ask question or of any problems occur , if not around 9/10 i think x
i WOULD SAY ABOUT 8-9 BUT i THINK IT ALSO DEPENDS ON THE CHILDS MATURITY TOO .
I believe in being open and honest with my children. If they asked questions I try and answer them as honestly as possible without scaring them too much. I started talking about body changes with my eldest when she was 9 and my younger daughter is 9 now and has no interest yet so we haven’t spoken about it. There are some great kids books about growing up which helped with my biggest girl x
I’d say around puberty x
My oldest daughter is 10. we have been talking about it for a few years now. My second daughter is 6 but we haven’t had the conversation yet but I would be open to it if she started the conversation
I would say around 10 but really depends on the child
Around 12 or whenever they are keen to learn
My daughter is 8 and want her to be able to ask me any questions she wants so we talk openly about things
As soon as you start talking about body parts and washing then it’s natural and age appropriate
As soon as your child starts asking questions, you give them the answers
Any time from 9 wished they start little girls for longer 🙂
I think the ideal age would be around 8 years old as knowledge is power and kids need to be aware
i talk about it with my step daughter who is 6 now, not so much detail but she knows to tell either me or her mum if shes got a problem, our youngest girl is nearly 2 and as soon as she is potty trained i ll be reminding her the correct way to wipe etc and that if she ever feels itchy or sore or has any issues to come to me straight away. ive also spoken to my 7 year old son as its important for boys to know about intimate hygiene aswell. really enjoyed reading this piece on your blog!
I would maybe say age 10 to 11?!
I think the right time is when you’re ready or when they ask questions.
Totally dependant on the individual child and how much tHey understand
I THINK YOU need to do it right from the start. Leave it until they’re approaching puberty and they’ll find it embarrassing – have the talk while they’re as young as possible and they’ll just consider it normal.
I think it shoulD be an ongoing discussion. My four year old recentY asked questions about how he came out of my tummy, i GaVe him a frank answer using proper words.
my daughter is quite open even at the age of 13 and even when she brings her friends in the house they sit and talk about girly things but talk maturely about it. quite shocked I was never like this at her age
I think Last year of primary school is a good age
I rhink it depends on your littl girl as everyones different aNd develops at different tImes. MY advixe would be play it by ear and youll know when
I think openly discussing these things is essential. I can’t remember sitting my daughter down as such but openly discussed these things when it seemed relevant.
it depends. my youngest started puberty at 5 and periods at 9 we had lots of chats as at 5 it was hard for her to understand the changes.
iT DEPENDS ON THE INDIVIDUAL CHILD, i THINK MOST PARENTS WOULD AGREE
when the body starts to change and they see the changes and have question then, it will be different for every child, so anywhere from 11 +
When it feels right. Deanna is 5 and we have spoken basics because of occassional soreness, but not too much detail until she is older
Age 12. By then their perceptions of the world have started to develop, and you can simplify certain aspects of the discussion if necessary, to get the points across 🙂
before their teenagers
before their teens
I Think as soon as a child start asKing
How fantastic to offer such a fantastic prize x
All children are of course different and I feel that if you keep talking openly, but staying age appropriate, during all stages of their developement, then they will come to you with questions.
when there body starts to change
If your child is asking questions then they are probably old enough to be given the answers, even if just the basics. i feel you can overclean INTIMATE areas and soap and water in the bath iS often enough or maybe a drop Of lavender oil in the water, its very soothing
whenever it feels appropriate as every child’s different.
Around 10 or 11 – at puberty! My parents never spoke to me ABOUT anything like this So I definitely want me children to be informed and not be shy about asking me questions.
Around 10 when they start going through changes although I believe it’s always best to be open and honest to questions x
Is there a right age? I think it can depend on child, their level of development, undErstanding etc. though I do think it is best to inform and educate children as and when appropriate. Rather than putting of giving them relevant information, in an appropriate enviroment with privacy etc, so as to encourage them to feel comfortable in asking questions etc.
I DEPENDS ON THE CHILD, BUT HONEST ANSWERS ARE THE BEST, BUT DONT GO INTO DETAILS THEY CANT UNDERSTAND, OR NEED TO KNOW UNTIL A LATER AGE.
I think about ten fab blog
I would say between 9 or 10
i would hope my little girl too feels comfortable to talk to me about intimate health issues. I was and still am always prone to thrush due to my diabetes, so she is well aware that things can get itchy and sore….luckily she has not been affected yet.
I think between 11-13
When maybe they start asking certain questions or when you think is the right time maybe around 11-12 years
i think you have to start as soon as they are old enough to clean themselves
oH I THINK IT DEPENDS, I HAVE 4 KIDS, MY 12YR OLD HAS SPECIAL NEEDS AND I HAVE TO HELP HIM WITH HYGIENE BUT MY 9 AND 6 YR OLD DONT NEED HELP.
I think around 10 / 11 or sooner if they initiate a discussion.
Around 10 years old
aged 10 -11
around 9-10
Every Child Is Different So I Don’t Like To Put A Age On Things My Little Girl Gets Sores Down There From Not Wiping Properly Asks Loads Of QUESTIONS About What Is DOWN THERE
Teenage years – early teens x
ABout 10-11 x
As soon as they feel comfortable
i think the best time is when there old enough to understand and wash and wipe for THEMSELVES as they get older they may feel self CONSCIOUS asking questions so i think educate as soon as you can
As soon as they sTart to ask questions.
talKing open and honestly hopefully will lead to our children not growing up with the same body hangups as most of us.
I think 10 just before they start academys and hear from the older children.
I think it depends on the maturity of the child. You can talk simply about being clean from an early age, but go into more detail as they get older and understand more.