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17) I'm too nervous to talk about it Aine

I am nearly 12. I started getting discharge in about April last year, I need a bra, I've got really hairy armpits and I get growing pains. The thing is I can't say a word to any adult.

OK, I can talk to my friends but I just can't talk to anyone else at all. Everyone says to speak to your mum, your doctor, etc, about these things but I just can't. I really can't pluck up the courage to.

Do you think I will start my periods soon and if so how should I tell someone about it? Reply

re: I'm too nervous to talk about it Cookie

Some families chat about puberty all the time, and everyone's an expert. Other families never mention these topics: changing the channel whenever a tampon advert comes on: They just don’t go there.

Your family aren't going to change overnight, but just take it one step at a time, and you'll start to feel that you can talk to them about stuff. 

Don’t blame yourself for not plucking up courage. Sometimes adults need reminding to make it easy for you to talk. One thing’s for sure: your mum is definitely interested. She’s probably waiting for you to ask. And someone’s got to break the ice.

Try something like, "Mum, can I ask you something? My periods are about to start (it’s the truth - they are) and I really need your help". Be cool: if you’re not phased, she won’t be. Then take it from there. She might surprise you. Reply