Pick the option below that best represents what stage your daughter is in.

She's ready—better have "the mother-daughter talk" now, before her first period arrives! Also, have a few Always pads and pantiliners on hand to talk about. Get the inside info

She's coming along—but you may have some time still.Why don't you open the lines of communication and start? Get the inside info

You have time—But it wouldn't hurt to think about what you'll say when she's ready. Get the inside info

Resources for mom & daughter—Find out more information from these resources. View Resources

Feel a little intimidated about how to get started? You're not alone.

In 2006, Kidshealth.org surveyed 5,000 moms and found 80% of them only felt—at best—somewhat prepared to talk about menstruation with their daughters.

And only 25% of the approximately 11,000 girls polled felt comfortable talking to their moms about puberty. It's time to get talking!

Here are some clues about why you are seeing these changes:

First, as you probably know, everything starts with our hormones. For girls, the whole puberty process begins between the ages of 8-13 when the pituitary gland sends a signal to the ovaries to begin producing estrogen.¹

Estrogen causes breasts to form, hips to widen, and an increased interest in boys.

Testosterone (yes, even women have it) from the adrenal glands causes the growth of pubic hair and stimulates sebum in the skin, which can trap normal skin bacteria and result in blocked pores and acne.²

But that's not all.

A dramatic drop in hormone levels during premenstrual days can lead to low serotonin levels—the neurotransmitter that promotes a sense of calm and well-being. These changes can cause uncontrolled emotions, poor judgment, and poor impulse control² (i.e., the drama roller coaster).

These are just a few tips to help you feel confident and start to prepare. Remember, you don't need to have one big monumental talk.

Instead, be open to lots of smaller discussions. The important thing for you as a mom is to be there for your daughter as a trusted source of information.

You may also want to keep some Always pads and pantiliners handy so she can be prepared at home or at school.

Help her to understand feminine care products, keep some in the bathroom, and have her carry some in her purse or a pocket of her backpack.

Good luck as you help your daughter navigate the trials of puberty and young adulthood.

It can be nerve-wracking, but if you get past the initial awkwardness, this might even bring you closer together.

Sounds like you may have a little while to prepare. But, no matter what, it's probably best to get yourself ready for some girl talk with a couple of good resources that help you feel confident and prepared for that first conversation between mother and daughter.

Remember, you don't need to have one big monumental talk. Instead, be open to lots of smaller discussions. The important thing is to be there for her as a trusted source of information.

You may also want to keep some Always pads and pantiliners handy so she can be prepared at home or at school.

Help her to understand the products, keep some in the bathroom, and have her carry some in her purse or a pocket of her backpack.

Good luck as you help your daughter navigate the trials of puberty and young adulthood.

It can be nerve-wracking, but if you get past the initial awkwardness, this might even bring the two of you closer together.

Based on your answers, your daughter isn't showing many signs of puberty yet.

You may have a little while to get yourself ready for some girl talk. However, if she isn't feeling awkward yet, this may be a great time to start having discussions and open the lines of communication.

So pick up a couple of good resources for both of you and review some facts so you can feel confident and prepared for those first puberty talks between mother and daughter.

Remember, you don't need to have one big monumental talk. Instead, be open to lots of smaller discussions. The important thing is to be there for her as a trusted source of information

aap.org—The American Academy of Pediatrics website features children's health topics, including puberty and adolescence.

Always.com offers additional resources to help arm you with tips, tools and feminine care product suggestions.

PGschoolprograms.com—the Always Changing Program has been a trusted curriculum source for puberty education among school nurses and health educators for over 20 years, and has been taught to millions of students nationwide.³

healthychats.com—created by pediatrician, mother, and health educator Dr. Chrystal de Freitas, M.D., FAAP, to help parents teach their children about health and puberty.

The Venus Week by Rebecca Booth, M.D.—Provides a better understanding of the hormones that influence the physical and emotional changes that accompany your monthly cycle.

What I Wish You Knew: Letters from Our Daughters' Lives and Expert Advice on Staying Connected—From the editors of American Girl.

Relevant books and websites for your daughter:

BeingGirl.com—A site where girls can ask experts questions about their puberty, periods, PMS, dating, their body development and other topics. They can also share, communicate with each other, and have fun with games and quizzes for teens.

The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls—By the editors of American Girl

Girlology's There's Something New About You by Melisa Holmes M.D. and Trish Hutchison, M.D.—A girl-friendly resource that can make sense of the changes girls go through during puberty.

Growing Up: It's a Girl Thing by Mavis Jukes—Explores puberty firsts such as bras and periods.

The Period Book: Everything You Don't Want to Ask (But Need to Know), by Karen Gravelle and Debbie Palen—Addresses private worries girls may have a hard time talking about, like menstruation and puberty.

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