My 8 year old granddaugher overheard her older counsin say that she had started her period. Our granddaughter asked what is a period. What should we say.

Maybe for now you should just tell her that its something that will happen to everyone when they get older and that you'll tell her when she's older... But you should probably explain it all to her when she's about 11 or 12 since some girls start early.

Tell her the truth. It is my belief that when a child is old enough to ask, they are able to be taught the truth. My daughter knew when she was 4.

I just told her that it is when a girl becomes a woman. This is when we bleed each month, it doesn't hurt like a cut, it just happens. It happens to all of us women.

It is normal and natural.

I have always been upfront with my children. If I had waited to talk to my now ten year old about having a period until 11 or 12 I would have been too late. I would just explain it the best you can and be ready for some very BIG questions. Your going to have to answer them later anyway, so best to just get it over with now.

I agree with each person on here. Honesty is always best! I don't know if my 6 year old knows exactly what a period is - she used to call my tampons - coupons. Which was fine - especially when we would walk down that aisle at the store and she would say loudly "Mommy, do you need more coupons?" So it worked out.

I have purchased a book - that I would recommend that anyone with a young girl should have. It is published by American Girl - It is called the "The Care and Keeping of You, The body book for Girls" It explains EVERYTHING! Including periods.
It is age appropriate (for ages 8 and up) and it will help you explain things that will come up.