Girls who are 8-10-years-old are fascinated by their changing body. They have questions about everything from why they are getting pimples to why their emotions are so intense. This is the time to teach them about the fascinating parts of their girl anatomy.

Each time I teach a small group of girls in this age group, I ask the same question, “Where do they think the blood comes out during their period?” The answer is always the same, “It comes out where you pee.”

This is actually not correct. The part of the body where the blood comes out is called the vulva. There are two openings in the vulva. A small one where urine comes out. And, a much larger one for the passage of blood during your period and also the passage for a baby to be born.

This anatomy figure from my book, I’m a Girl, My Changing Body, can help your daughter to understand this important distinction. In this view, you are looking inside the pelvis from the side. You can see the urinary bladder in front and a tube called the urethra that takes urine out of the bladder. The urethra opens into the vulva at the urethral opening.

Also notice the uterus and the vagina. If your daughter is in this age-group, she is only a few years away from starting her period. A small amount of blood (about 2-3 tablespoons over several days) escapes from the uterus, down the vagina and out the vaginal opening in the vulva. You can follow the blood drops in this anatomy figure. This visual will help your daughter to feel more knowledgeable and confident.

I hope this is helpful for you as you prepare your daughter for a big transition coming her way!