Did your parents ever talk to you about intimate health?
I have been thinking about this in regard to mine and I have to say I really don’t think it was ever mentioned.
Periods were explained scientifically (by mum) and in regard to baby making I was just asked if we’d discussed it at school, I said yes and that was it, conversation over. We never discussed intimate health at all.
Which isn’t too healthy, is it?
However, I assume that this was because my grandparents never discussed it with my mum and somehow to her this was still a taboo subject. I want to break that pattern in my family and make it an absolutely okay subject to discuss with my daughter.
I think it is really important to normalise conversation about intimate health between mothers and their daughters.
Canesten® wants to empower women to feel more comfortable discussing intimate health with their children.
They say:
A lack of formal intimate health education during puberty means that when symptoms of vaginal conditions appear, it can cause worry and many teenage girls have to figure it out for themselves what happens to them.
It’s sad to think of a young woman experiencing thrush for example, and not being able to talk it over with her mum.
This is why Canesten® Mummy Conversations campaign! Canesten are promoting conversations around female intimate health as they believe through better knowledge women can self-diagnose and self-treat knowledgeably and with confidence. This is why they are encouraging mums, like me and you, to have a conversation with our daughters about their intimate health.
I know this something I need to discuss with my daughter but I wonder when is a good age and I am keen to hear your thoughts, so please do join in!
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I want to know when you think is the right age to discuss intimate health with your children and why you they believe such a discussion would be beneficial for your kids. Please enter via rafflecopter to leave me a comment to be in with a chance to win.
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This post has been supported by Canesten® but all thoughts are my own.
I think it is good to talk to your children from around the age of 9, when they start to become aware of changes to their bodies. It is better to chat about it casually from a younger age so they get used to opening up about the way they feel and feel comfortable using the correct terms.
About 10 years old just before their body’s start to change so they know what is happening to them
Hi
I would say around 11 ish when the child matures and starts to develop physically and needs to be aware of what is happening
For me it wasn’t a taboo . I ask my mum about everything and she advise me without any problem
It will vary depending on the childs mental maturity usually around puberty
Around the age of 9. Some children start puberty earlier than others and kids talk at school. Make them feel relaxed as possible when talking about personal things
Around 10 or 11.
I talked to my eldest daughter when she was 9 but I think it depends on maturity and you as a parent. They do need to be prepared!
I’d wait until my daughter asked about it and broached the subject. its part of growing up and an essential topic.
I think its individual. Pre-puberty would be best I think, maybe age 10.
I think it depends on the child butif they ask questions be as honest as you can in a way they would understand! 🙂
I think around nine or ten years old is a great time
10-11 when their bodies ar starting to change
I think it is beneficial to start talking about intimate subjects with your children at the age of 8, as a lot of females start puberty around this age and would need to know about certain subjects and developments.
I feel it’s important to speak to you children about this subject earlier than later.
When they hit puberty, their starting to learn about their bodies then
i think probably about age 11 seems about right
i think you should talk to them around the age of 10/11
I think each child is different, but with puberty getting younger and younger, perhaps 9 is about the right age
I would say between 11 and 12 depending on maturity, i think it’s very important they know the facts so they don’t get into trouble, thanks.x
depends on the maturity of the child, I would think around 9 -10 years if the child is ready
I always talked to my son as and when it felt right as he grew up. Talking about it as normally as anything else make it much easier. He can and does talk to me about anything even now he is grown up!
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.
no specific age, just when it feels appropriate
puberty is a good time for talking
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.
I think around 10 depending on the child, my daughter is nearly 9 and I don’t feel the need to discuss yet but know it is approaching
age 13, its important to stay open and honest
I think about 11 is a good age but if i was asked any questions before this then i would give an age appropriate response
I think everyone’s different. It’s important to make sure your children can come to you with any questions or queries from a young age though.
when they start asking questions & before teenage years begin
I think an appropriate age would be 12 years old for them to fully understand. However nowadays children seem to be learning things earlier and earlier. I would hate my child to be the only one not knowing about anything like that. So i would say 10 years old
end of KS2, so roughly 10-11, but go into the appropriate amount of depth for the age
I think around 10 or 11, when they start to understand things better, because it’s important they know earlier on rather than later.
I think between the age of 9 and 10, and I think it’s beneficial because it normalises things at an early age.
Around age 10 so that they are prepared for and understand the changes happening to them.
About 8 to start them young and then theres no embarrassment.
I think just before they go to secondary school so about aged 11
I would say around 9 years
I think it depends on the maturity of the child, I would guess around 10-11 yrs as this was around the time I started my periods. I think it would help them understand their bodies and not make them it was a taboo subject or something to be ashamed of
I started puberty early so I wanted my daughter to be prepared. I bought her an award winning book to read and whilst not putting any pressure on said I would love for her to come and talk to me if she wanted to after she had read it. After a couple of weeks she did although she was little embarrassed at first, this soon disappeared. She was 9 at the time.
Around nine or when the child is ready, and make the chat normal as possible
I would say whatever age the child talks about her body is the right time. In an honest matter of fact way use the opportunity to talk about intimate health using language that they to understand.
The earlier the better–I think that children should start as earliest as possible to know and respect their bodies–keeping themselves clean, healthy and recognising what is and isn’t right. That starts with calling body parts by appropriate and real names that they would hear and use with/from a doctor.
About 10 or 11 when their bodies are changing.
I would say at about 12 or 13 when kids are mature enough (in most cases) to understand.
Thanks for a super giveaway 🙂
Whenever they ask about it – just with how you talk about it tailored to their age. It’s beneficial because it’ll help them to realise that they can talk about things like this – nothing to be embarrassed about!
I think at the age of 11 (Just before high school)
i think 11/12 but i also think all parents know thier children best and will know whats right for thier child x
all ages really should never be embarrised x
It would depend on the child and when they are able to understand.
9-10 years old
10 before they hear about it from others
I think if it’s done right it can slowly be introduced from an early age
maybe 10-11 years
When you feel your children are ready, each child is different
Aged 9 – the earlier the better. They need to know all this!
about 9 before secondary school and puberty
I don’t have any kids but about 10 I suppose
Well i think it depends on the child as some mature quicker than others, but i would certainly say between 8 and 10
I think from the age they ask questions. Vary answers according to their age and suitability
I always answer them truthfully in language they can understand; they were both aged 10, and explaining body changes before they happened reduced any fear, I think
I think it depends on a child but it should be around the age of 10-11.
about 13 because they are teenagers so will ask questions then.
I think about 10/12 ish depends how mature they are.
Whenever they start asking questions
I think as soon as they can identify and talk about their body parts, so probably about 5 onwards. I think starting early helps to normalise the topic.
10
about 13 or 14 and because it will make them more comfortable with all the changes they are going through x
I think around 9-10
about 10, or when they start asking for themselves
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.
Discuss it when you have the periods talk – and make sure it’s just a natural part of the conversation so there’s no big taboo about asking questions
once they are teenagers or possibly a bit sooner
i think around 10-11 yrs is the right age
Around the age of 10, before they become too uncomfortable to suggest intimate issues, we’re generally fairly open anyway and a superficial level of detail, as we think it’s important for children to understand how their bodies work.
I think for the early age of 3. You can make the discussion age appropriate as I think the earlier they know the beyyer they can get into the routine of looking after themselves
about 10- 11
I think it all depends on the child but I’d guess between the age of 8-10
Aged 9/10 as they need to be prepared for the changes to their body
11-12 years old
Infancy onwards – start explaining basic terms, hygiene, etc. from as soon as they can understand the words – age appropriate sex education and personal health should be taught from the start and then built upon as they get older.
Just before secondary school
I would say from the age of 8, as girls, especially, grow up more quicker than boys and gives them a good understanding of hygiene.
Definitely before they start secondary school in my opinion!
I think it really depends on the child, but maybe around 12-13 seems about right x
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 🙂
Around 8-10 years old
I think any age, they seem to let you know, when they start asking questions.xx
I think around 10 as they become more independent and before they start secondary school
The earlier the better but i would think by 10 at the latest
I think that you should answer any questions honestly at whatever age they ask them.
i think as soon as they are old enought to understand x
As early as possible, make it part of the normal conversation. But definately before secondary school.
I would say between 10 and 12
Around 9 best they hear the correct things from you not the playground
I think it depends on the child, around about 12
Around 8 years.
I’d say around age 12 but think it depends on the individual child too. These issues are best address when needed in my opinion so it’s important to have a close & open relationship with your child.
I’ll talk about it when my daughter asks.
Aged 9 – the earlier the better.
When you feel they are ready.
About 11
from 9 dependent on maturity. Before secondary school if poss.
I personally feel the best age to be around the age of 10 years old. You want a child to be a child for as long as possible, especially with society the way it is now, kids are growing up before their time. At around 10, they’ve had plenty of time to do just that and will be starting to hit puberty/head to secondary school. So I definitely think that’s around the right age and will be putting it into practice next year when my son hits 10. Wish me luck!!
When they are mature enough to understand
14!!!
From about age 9 as this is when their friends will start talking about things and I would want them to know the facts.
It’s important from a young age incase of underlying health issues, there could be something seriously wrong and they may be too embarrassed to talk about it.
I think it depends on the child, my daughter is 6 and I remind her to dry herself properly to prevent feeling sore, more intimate care maybe around 10? Or earlier should they ask think its good to be honest.
Questions should be answered as soon as they start to arise, in an age appropriate fashion.
I think children are being taught at a much earlier age than we did when we were at school. I think as long as you have an open relationship with your children, they may just choose the time themselves.
between 8 and 10
i would say around 12, its very important to educate them when you see and feel that they are ready, explaining and feeling them with confident that its nothing to worry about and a very common, normal thing
I would say from about 11 when they start secondary school and it will be talked about more. Any younger and it may just go over their heads.
From 9 or 10, when a girl can start her periods. 🙂
I think you know when they are comfortable when mentioning it, my eldest son was not comfortable until aged 13 and we now speak openly about it, yet my younger girls aged 8 and 6 are happy to talk about it so i think its just trial and error and a feeling of its the right time.
I believe that the right age to discuss intimate health with your children is about 8/9 years old as knowledge is power and being informed will ensure they made hood decisions in the future.
From around 8 although whenever they seem ready and curious to learn.
I THINK ABOUT 10 ONWARDS
About 7 I think unless there have been prior issues.
I discussed it with my daughters at 9, as I knew they had started puberty early – they both got their periods at 10 1/2 . My mum discussed nothing with me, so for 6 months I told no-one, I did not want my girls to be ignorant!
I think it depends on the child! But 10/11 sounds about right.
10 to make sure you have cleared everything up before they hear rumours at secondary
I think from the age they start to ask questions , after seeing my sanitary towels my daughter asked what they were and what they were for at age 7. So I told her all about menstruation as best I could in a way that I hoped she’d sort of understand . She knows that around the age of 11-14 it will happen to her. I think being open is the best thing with these matters. I’d rather her hear it from me than from anyone else.
No kids so no idea..
I think every child is different nut as soon as they start asking questions or you think they are ready to understand
Before senior school , about age 10. I think they need to know about their body before they move schools and meet new friends so they know what is being discussed.
I actually think it really depends on the child – children mature at different ages. I do think it’s really important to prepare children for adolescence. If I had a daughter I would want to ensure she understood about periods prior to them starting, so maybe around 11 for that topic but I wouldn’t necessarily think that would be the right time to discuss sex.
from an early age or as soon as they start asking questions
I would take it from their cues but most probably before puberty
well, my daughter is 10 and we have been talking about things like intimate hygiene, periods, changes in the bodies, I don`t think any of what I told her was news to her, children overhear things at school, around them, but it sure brought us closer not just as mother and daughter but also friends, having a little giggle about the first ever wiffy armpit 😛
Things like that should be discussed, I taught my daughter to ask me any question she wants from the early age of 4-5, she didn`t need encouraging asking then, not necessarily getting truthful answers at that age, but now she`s 10, we have very strong and honest relationship, and I can only hope it will not all change once she`s a teenager with an attitude…now it`s time to lay a base for the future..
cool
About 9 so they can understand
It depends on the child but you can usually tell by the type of questions they start asking so that’s the time to be honest and open with them.
The earlier the better. As soon as they are old enough to understand and communicate so not to make taboo of such subjects
I would say about 8/9 years old, but make it like a normal conversation and age related, i would hope that this would mean any problems in the future they would be able to talk to me
From about the first year of high school
I think 10-11 is a good age so you can prepare them for all the stories they will no doubt hear in secondary school
8
Around the age they start high school, their bodies are changing and it’s a very confusing time so it’s important they have clear and structured advice 🙂
If we’re talking about anything non-sexual, I’d say quite early so they feel natural talking to you about it. I do believe though that the earlier you tell children about anything to do with sex, the earlier they’ll try experimenting so I think that needs to wait until they’re a little older and start asking.
Aged 10
About 10 just before they move up to big school
Start young but keep it age appropriate so it’s not too complex for them.
around 10, the sooner the better 🙂
i think around 11 when they start secondary school, so they feel more willing and able to discuss it with their parents as changes start happening
Depending on the child around eight or nine but if they start asking questions earlier then take the opportunity.
I would say about 11 years old, as long as it is done in a sensitive and age appropriate way.
Soon as they start asking my son is 8 and is already asking questions as he is learning about his body at school. Better they get the information from you
gotta be 10 just before they start high school
I think it depends on the child but around the age of 10/11
It is a difficult one as every child will mature at different rates. But I would say around 9 ish before any major changes start to happen x
I THINK ABOUT AGED 9 TO 10 YOU SHOULD START
I’d say about 10 years old is about right
i think its all about individual maturity—rather than a set age
around 10 or 11
I think the start of puberty is the right age as they will be mature enough to understand.
Depends on the maturity of the child but the earlier the better – 8/9? Periods start early nowadays and better tp prepare them.
i think it depends on the child but after 11
I would say about 10 or 11 just before they start secondary school
When they are ready – there is no real age just when they are ready
As and when things crop up that need to be addressed
i think it should be discussed at home from a young age to make it a normal thing to talk about not make a big deal out of it
about 12
About 10 I’ll do it
when the child starts asking questions- but my answers would depend on age
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
Early teens.
At the age when they start asking questions
I would say around age 10 is appropriate
I think around 9-10
about 10 is the right age
I think discussions should be prompted by the child and then discussed in an age appropriate manner
Usually around eight or nine. When they start to become inquisitive
When I think they could start to understand, maybe 7 or 8 and I think it would help them make decisions.
between 8 and 10
I think it varies with each child. My daughter was about 7 when she started to ask questions.
Depends how they are i would say 13 tbh
I think around 8, though I think if a child asks then there should be a discussion
I think about 10 years old just before high school.
I reckon around 8 or 9 before the changes start taking place to their bodies.
I think age 11 xx
not 2 young
I’d say 9 before they start puberty
About 10-11, I think
Around 8 … it is important and girls are mature these days
I think it depends on the child and when the parents think it’s the right time. Every one is different
between 10-12 as thats the ge i learned at and think thats an appropriate age
I think around the age 10/11 when you think they are old enough to understand as they may already be asking questions.
About 9-10 I think – each child is differant – just don’t leave it too late!
When they start to ask questions as they all mature at different rates. It’s better to be told by parents than other children
I think from about 8+ It’s a tricky one as they’re all so different. I think it would be beneficial as they would get the truth rather than playground gossip.
I think it depends on the child itself as all kids develop mentally and physically at different ages. I have always answered my childrens questions honestly from a young age whenever they have asked.
i dont think there is a certain age, it depend on the question and how they may react to the answer.
i think around 10 years old
10-11 just before puberty
About 8 – when they can understand
If they ask questions or show an interest, I think they’re ready.
About aged 10. I think it’s important for them to know before they reach puberty so that they can identify and unusual changes and raise them with a doctor
I’ve discussed personal hygiene and periods with my son as he has asked questions and is 4 but I haven’t gone too in depth I would probably approach it around 9 or 10 but if he was female possibly younger
I think it depends on the maturity of the individual child.
I think its down to the individual child, but I would say maybe to give the basics at 8/9 and then you can always add more to it, plus make sure they know its something that they can always comes and talk to you about
It depends on the child really, so I think for us it will be when little one starts asking questions. I think it’s only right to be as honest and open as you can be as early on in life as possible.
towards the end of primary school – 10/11, getting in before the school discuss it.
about 12 -13 I think depending on how mature they are,common sense prevail
11 years old just before secondary school
Start of the teenage years when the body starts to change.
When they ask questions is the best time to answer them.
I think just before they start senior school so that they are clued up before other children tell them wrong information
I think from the age they hit puberty or start asking questions.
I think it varies depending on the child, but I’d say 9ish
about 7 years old when they are not well & when family members are poorly. Explain to them int he language they can understand.
Topical question this one but I think as they head up to big school about 9/10
I think it’s good to instill good intimate hygiene habits from a young age, so would start as early as 5 -7 with some basic information and then add more as they are growing up
It depends on the individual child and when they start asking questions
I have always been very open with our little girl. She is now 11. We bought her a fantatsic book on amazon called “My little book of growing up” It explains everything including intimate health in a child appropriate way. We read it together last year. I think if you are open and honest with children they will hopefully feel they can ask questions and find it normal. Even if they do become a little embarrassed as they become teenagers. Ive explained that it is perfectly normal to feel embarrased and that talking about it makes any issue easier to deal with xx
What ever age they start asking you, my daughter is 2 and already understands about vaginas and partly about periods.
This does depend on their development and maturity but I would say defiantly before secondary school where there is a lot of information and misinformation about 🙂
Be open as soon as possible. Tell them they can ask you anything
I think it depends on the child…..maybe around 10.
I would say about 9 – 10 is the right age but I am very honest with my kids ( age appropiate ) because I believe the more the more better informed they are to make decisions for themselves .x
I would say probably around 8/9 as their bodies start to change around the time they go into year 5 at school.
i think about age 10, but my son only just 2 so a few years yet before need to think about it.
Personally I believe aged 8, they early you talk to them the more they will understand
around the age of 10/11 but I also think it depends on the child because they are all different
id say about 12
Completely agree with age 9! I think it should be discussed from this age… before their body starts to change…. if spoken about earlier hopefully it is less embarrassing when they’re older talking to health professionals or peers!
I would personally say that it depends on the child. Maybe 10/11 years of age.
Around 11. Less likely to miss something serious if they are open to talking to mum
About aged 12
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 🙂
i would say around 8/9 but i think its down to each child as they all develop at different rates
my daughter is 8 her grandmother on dads side and great uncle have had breast cancer so i have been showing her how i check my breasts we talk about alot i want here awear of it
when they start asking questions 🙂
the younger the better, then they won’t be embarrassed if they got a problems
I feel that general intimate health and hygiene should be implemented from birth and then they will grow up with that basic knowledge. Anything further than basics, probably when they start asking questions. Basic and simple answers will work fine with them.
Not before the age of 10
I think it all depends I’d say age 11
You have to see how their body matures, but my niece is only 9 and she is definitely starting puberty already.
I think 11/12 once they go to secondary school but if they asked any questions before then i would answer honestly. I think by talking to them they become less embarrased & more likely to talk to uou if they have any problems
I think that there isn’t a suitable age as such but it is about keeping the lines of communication open and discussing pre-puberty. It would be beneficial to always be able to talk about intimate health as it helps them not feel alone or worried and to know when something is wrong to be able to get suitable healthcare treatment.
I think from when they become curious maybe under 10
I think around 10-12 mark, depending on how mature they are
We need to be honest when answering questions, but only answer what is asked; you dont need to go into gorey detail. If you constantly answer questions they learn as they go along. Sometimes kids talk at school and then you need to step in as a parent and put children right not let them dwell on old wives tales.
I think children mature at a different rate so it depends….. but it is important to educate them gently and honestly.
Junior school is about right
I think at puberty
around 10 i think is a good age they will be more prepared for puberty x
As soon as they start asking questions, it’s better to be be honest and open
Regarding keeping your intimate parts clean, this can be introduced very early possibly at the toddler stage, but when referring to conditions like thrush, periods etc this needs to be discussed at a later age probably about 9 to 10 years of age.
About 10 onwards in regards to puberty as was age I was told. I have had the PANTS discussion tho from the NSPCC website in regards to our private areas and what’s appropriate and what is inappropriate behaviour.
I think it depends on the child, I will look out for signs in my daughter and then talk to her – I’m thinking around 10ish though
i think around the age of 11
Great post, would love to win.
From around the age of 9-10 when children’s bodies start to change. They need to be reassured and aware and to know there not alone. Although my daughter is 6 and I’m open with her, she’s asked about periods before and she’s aware of them because I’ve explained in a way she understands x
I would say it depends upon the maturity of the child and when they started asking questions. I wouldn’t start saying anything until about age 10 onwards.
Before puberty. It’s beneficial to normalise it.
My parents never ever spoke to me about anything like that and I don’t want to be like that with my kids. I want them to know from early on what everything is but get into more detail just before puberty starts so that they feel comfortable with changes and know proper facts. They are 4 and 2 now and this is the first I’ve properly thought about it. I may change my mind!
10-12 I would thik
I don’t have any children but I struggled as my parents are strict and old fashioned. I think when they’re young as the more information the better I know I’d of appreciated it
I would say from when they start asking questions, with age appropriate answers
10
Around 10. It’s beneficial as you don’t want them feeling alone and awkward.
As soon as they are ready to know, it varies depending on the child I think. I feel that it should come from parents rather than waiting for school. Definitely before they go to secondary school though
8 or 9, don’t ; leave kids in the dark-its our responsibility to teach our children.
9 or 10
as soon as the child starts asking questions and challenging the answers
I think around 10
I don’t think there is a right or wrong age or a “right time” as all children develop at different stages and ages and the “right time” will vary from each child.I do think its important to ensure your child knows they can come to you with any questions though and as parents it our job to judge when we think the time is right. xx
it all depends I think on the individual child but from age 10 as they need to be aware of their bodies and the changes etc.x
before they hit teens, far better to have the chat with parents before they hear it from other children and its incorrect informations
About 10 but this depends on the child – you know best! Fantastic prize, thank you so much x
I think every child is different, it depends on their maturity and any questions. I think it’s beneficial that you tell them instead of friends so they are correctly informed and don’t get embarrassed xx
I think by about age 9/10 they should know. A lot of girls start their periods in primary school so it’s important they understand.
Depending on how mature the child is I would suggest between the ages of 10-11 before puberty kicks in. Just be honest and not embarrassed and I think they will appreciate it.
l think around 10 before the madness of secondry school or again dependant on your child if they are very tuned in then earlier x
Around 9 I think, depends on the child though