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Results for 11/16/2004 to 11/23/2004
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Last week, Ashlee Marie said:
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"All Boys No Girls
I have a problem, I live with all boys. My mom died four years ago, and now, it's just my dad and my two older brothers. Well I started my period a few days ago. My friend gave me some stuff to use, but I have to tell my dad or one of my brothers sooner or later. I just don't know how to talk to a guy about tampons and supplies that I need. Talking about how I feel is a whole other problem. I am very lost with this, and sort of scared. I really wish I had a woman to talk to about this stuff. I was too young when my mom died for her to tell me any of this stuff. Please help me figure out a way to talk to one of my male family members!!!"
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338 SmartGirls replied:
| 18% |
You should definitely talk to your dad about this. Going through puberty is a huge developmental change in your life and you need someone to help guide you through it. As his only daughter and youngest child, he is probably most protective over you and very loving. If you need anything, Im sure he would want you to be able to talk to him. So just give it a try. |
| 2% |
Skip your dad and use the internet. It's a great resource for answering questions that your male family members may not even know the answers to. Then, when you find out what you need, ask one of them to take you to the store. Tell them you have 'feminine needs'. That will be all they need to hear. |
| 31% |
If one of your brothers has a girlfriend, she will understand what it's like to start your period. Tell your brother that you and her should have some private 'girl' time and he will understand. She will be very helpful in answering your questions and letting you know that it will be okay. |
| 8% |
Ask one of your female teachers that you like and trust to talk to your dad and get him up to speed. He probably hasn't thought about periods for a while and may need a friendly reminder from a 'middleman'. |
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41% gave other responses. Some SmartGirls said:
Does your dad have any female relatives who are as old as he is who can explain it to him? You might find it easier telling them what you need, so they can pass the message on to him without embarassment for both of you. It must be hard for your dad to understand and for you to tell him yourself. Don't feel scared! I just started my period a few days ago, too. Yea... it may be a little scary but here's my suggestion: first, start out with pads that stick right to your underwear. Don't try using tampons until you're older and feel more confident. I'm so glad you wrote this because I didn't want to tell my dad, either. I think you should tell your older brother and maybe he could talk to your dad about it. I'm also sorry your mom died. Plus, I think your name is pretty! LoL. ;-) GOOD LUCK! Find a female family member to talk about it first, it helps to get an older woman's experiances. But do talk to your dad, he probably will be just as scared as you to mention it. If you can't talk to him face to face, try writing a letter. I did this with my mum when I first started and it helped alot. Dear Ashlee, Maybe you should talk to a female teacher, or a student counseler, or some older female, like an aunt or someone else that's older who you trust? If you really wan't to talk to your dad, then do so but also ask him who you should talk to.
Thanks to all of you that gave your advice! Please give your
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