My 11-year old is very reluctant to discuss puberty and sex/body changes with me. We have talked about menstruating and what to expect and I have yet to show her how to use tampons and pads. For any mothers out there who have been through this with their daughters, did you show them how to use both tampons and pads, then let them decide what was more comfortable, or did they use both? - Maureen
Answer
I have been very open with my kids; when the time came she started with pads and moved quickly to tampons as it is easier to have a really active life with tampons. She asked how, I told her there were directions on the box and if she had any further questions or needed help all she had to do was holler. She did fine; she was 12 and had only had her period for about 2 months when she switched to tampons - Melis
We've only used pads. Knowing my girls, which are somewhat like your daughter, they wouldn't use tampons. So I never gave them that option. I figure later on they can try them when they are older if they want. - Sherry
I bought both tampons and pads, and had them in the bathroom long in advance of actually needing them. I told her to read the directions and let me know if she had any problems or questions. She's been using both since her first period. - Sarah