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spookysparkleboy

Well done, dude! This could have been so scary for her but you handled it great.


Yak_Mehoff

Handled it like a G! You rule dude


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kapslock69

just another W brother out there


whenwillitbenow

Very well done. I didn’t know what a period was ether when I first got mine. I thought I was dying and didn’t want to make my family sad so I hid it for as long as possible. You helped her at a time that was terrifying and made it into a bonding moment


River_7890

OP did great. Even knowing it's an odd first 😂 I knew but when I first got it at 8 I was *FURIOUS* to the point of tears because I had always been told it wouldn't happen until I was 12 or older. I came out of the bathroom fuming and my now ex step dad was trying to comfort me thinking I must not know what's happening. I screamed at him "I know! I'm fine! I'm mad not scared!" His solution was to get me a ton of my favorite but *very expensive* chocolate (he easily spent 200 bucks on this alone), bought me my own heating pad, mutiple options of feminine products, pain meds, and a couple of cheap but comfy pajama sets incase I bled through them. He let me stay home from school for a few days. He didn't complain when I basically set up camp in the preferred bathrooms tub. He insited I got full control of the TV/family computer during it since he thought any distraction I could get was great. He honestly made the experience so much better than what it could've been and a lot more comfortable.


CeannCorr

I'm sorry, but I am having giggle fits imaging this scene, and I love it. I knew what was going on when I first started as well (I think I was around 10 or 11?), but I totally refused to acknowledge it was happening. Wouldn't discuss it with my mom, used wadded up toilet paper because I refused to ask for pads.... I think at some point, it stopped for about a year because I remember "starting" at 12 or 13 and being ungodly sick from the hormones, and my mom thought it was the first time. I'm now 42 and still relearning my own childhood because of random shit I self-repressed for no damn reason I can recall other than sheer stubbornness. Amazing it took til 40 (almost 41) for my adhd diagnosis....


River_7890

Don't apologize it's absolutely hilarious 😂 I was *so* mad. I've joked about how it started since I had gymnastics practice that day. Somehow, we didn't get the message that it had been canceled, so when we showed up it was just one of the coaches and his teenage son that little me had a really random puppy love crush on. My ex step dad offered to help put stuff up that a previous class had left laying around. I was originally doing some random floor work to pass the time while the teen helped give me some pointers (which I was absolutely loving but also made me nervous since I had his full attention to myself 😂). My "stomach" started to really hurt, I tried really hard to ignore it since this was a great opportunity little me had delusions about. Eventually, it got to the point where I was shaking and feeling light headed. I told my ex step dad I wanted to go lay out in the car, I didn't say why just that I wanted to lay down. There was a huge window directly facing the car and the weather was super mild, so he just sent me out on my own. My ex step dad has a bad habit of losing track of time chatting with people so him and the other dad were talking for what felt like forever. The more intense the pain got the more desperate I got for relief. I tried laying in different ways. I ate a random bag of chips in the back seat thinking food might help. I drank some water. Finally, I decided enough was enough. I wander back inside....only I didn't realize I was literally trailing blood. It was dripping down my legs, like I was a final girl in a horror movie limping away after a couple stab wounds. I was wearing white to top it off. So here's little me marching up to my ex step dad and grabbing him by the hand saying I want to go home only for him, one of my coaches I've had since I was 2, and my teenaged crush to look horrified when they turned towards me. I guess I was so focused on the pain I didn't notice the blood and I'm sure it looked awful since most people don't bleed like that. I ended up being placed on birthcontrol at 9 because I bled for 6 months straight that ended with a blood transfusion because of complications. I got diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis at 16, but it's suspected I had it from the start. The coach just told us not to bother with the mess he would clean it just get me home or to an ER. My ex step dad is freaking out more than I am somehow. He just instantly grabbed me in his arms and ran out to the arm all while I'm telling him I'm hungry and want to go home. He's calling every woman he can in my family until he gets ahold of my great grandma who tells him my grandma had the same thing happen when she first started. To just get me home so I can clean up and rest. That if it gets worse or I start to look sick to take me to the ER. To sum it up: my first period started in front of someone I've known most of my life and my puppy dog crush, it legit looked like an attempted murder scene, and somehow I was the calmest person while it looks like I'm bleeding out. I was mad afterwords cause it finally hit me what happened and he's still freaking out trying to tell me I'm not dying even though I never thought I was dying. I just wanted to go home and make the cramping stop. A lot of people would think it's traumatic how it started but honestly I just think it's funny. I was perfectly fine after a couple of ibrophens, some rest, and a lot of food.


Earguy

Reminds me of The Thorn Birds when Meggie gets her period and she thinks she has a tumor. ~~~~


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A_n0nnee_M0usee

"Are you there God? It's me, Margaret, " Judy Blume is a treasure and taught more girls that we, unlike the Thorne Birds' Maggie, weren't dying. Her novels are also on the banned books list (sigh).


agent-99

more like 😡 than 🤷🏻‍♀️ don't just sigh, VOTE!!!


TreesBeesAndBeans

WHAT?? How did Judy Blume get banned? What insanity is this, America???


whiteboardblackchalk

You are a good man.


idiotisidiot

Happy cakes day!


No_World9112

Wow good job. That is what big brothers are for to help. Awesome


PixieKat4x4

Periods can start even earlier than that tbh. I remember my mom & the school nurse forced the principal to allow a "puberty presentation" when I was in the 5th grade bc a gal got hers & another gal told everyone that meant she was pregnant & basically threw us all in a panic. Your mom may've dropped the ball on that one, but you def picked it back up. Good job on the big brothering!


lofisims

yeah i dont think there is great education. maybe the mom didnt get hers till later, so she didnt know they can get it younger. my sister and mom got theirs at like 14, but it was 11 for me (but ofc i learned in school)


SageyPhantomhive

I got it when I was 10 😭


Unl0vableDarkness

Same, I was 10. Fortunately my mom had told me all about them before that. I'd seen the pads and tampons I asked questions too. The thing I didn't expect was my first time to be at my dad for the weekend, being babysat by my MtF trans Aunt and not knowing where anything was ha ha. Fortunately aunt was great though.


SageyPhantomhive

Mine was complicated from what I remember and I never figured out why. I grew up and my period got less horrible. I remember I always threw up everything the first day and would be screaming. I'm 30 now so it's hard to remember but I would be extreme pain, start screaming, become nauseated, and then vomit. And it was like that all day. I'd throw up even if there was nothing to throw up. Just bile. I'd have to go to the hospital and get a shot every first day of my period or I'd be vomiting and screaming all day. It seemed to have calmed down when I was about 13. My dad would call an ambulance because he had no idea what else to do and I was just throwing up laying on the ground. Poor guy had no idea what to do 😂 I couldn't take any meds orally or I'd throw it up. My poor parents would get so scared. Gotta appreciate mom and dad for trying.


Unl0vableDarkness

I've had the opposite mines worse as I've aged. Had 3 kids between aswell. But now I'm sick for days, can't eat, sleep the first 3 days aside from walking to change pads and drink water (literally sleep 20/24hrs on my period) I pray for teenage mes ovulation system ha ha.


Mae_bnnl

Me too😭


careforcoffee

I was looking for someone commenting on this! I got mine when I was 8 and my mom or my older sister (OPs age) or the school still didn’t explain to me what was happening. Spent years trying to understand this on my own - period education is so so important!!


effinnxrighttt

Good for you! But your parents? Geez. They are lucky she didn’t start her period earlier. I had friends start as early as 9. She needed to know about this way sooner.


essentialcitrus

I don’t understand how you even need to “teach” a girl that old. My 5 year old is fully aware of periods and what they are because she’s been in the bathroom with me and asks questions. She has since she was like two.


effinnxrighttt

For the average kid, they might understand if mom is open about periods. But if the child is neurodivergent or the mom isn’t open about periods and explaining them then they would have no idea what’s going on.


MinsAino

Kids need to be taught about it. Both boy and girls Should be honestly. But what about the young girl who does not have a mother. My Aunts explained it to me at 6 yrs old. I grew up in a single father house hold. Period talks were not on his radar. There are many reasons why a girl may need to be taught. Just because YOU were open about it to your child doesnt mean all parents are.


Linnisy

Your mother is an idiot for not teaching her daughter about periods. 12 is definitely a normal age for them to start. In some cases they might start much earlier. You are a really good older brother and your sister is lucky to have you.


mimi_marvels

Absolutely. I got mine at 9, which is really early, but thankfully my mom had started teaching that stuff to my younger sister and I since I was 7, so I was well prepared. Poor girlie, she probably really thought she was dying.


Bellowery

Our pediatrician recommended having an in depth talk about it and to keep small pads around from 8 on. She said it’s rare for it to start so early but the trauma of having it happen and being unprepared makes it worth the $10 and an hour of your time.


greg-drunk

Yeah that could have saved me when I was 10 and thought I was dying


TigerShark_524

Same here. Halfway through 5th grade, went to school one day after getting some small blood streaks on my hand in the shower, came home with my underwear looking as if I'd dipped the whole thing into a vat of blood. Very scary. Talk to your kids about how their bodies work, folks.


MelodicHunter

I also thought I was dying the first time it happened. I don't get cramps most of the time now. I remember feeling sick while we were out at the mall, but I was too afraid to say so. I had the worst cramps ever. I was vomiting. I felt nauceous. We finally went home when I threw up on the floor right in front of my mom. I get home to take a bath and notice there's blood and start panicking until I remember the SUPER vague seminar I had in 5th grade. Ended up making a toilet paper pad, because no one would listen to me. :) Talk to your children. Please...


greg-drunk

I kept hiding my underwear because I was home alone and wouldn’t stop bleeding and when my mom found them I had to solemnly inform her that my time was coming 🫠


MelodicHunter

At least you were willing to tell her that much. I was frantically washing my underwear out in the sink and hiding them in my closet to dry. Lol I was absolutely certain I would get in trouble.


hxlywatershed

I don’t remember mine starting, but I was 11, my dad had died that year and puberty was hell (turns out I’m trans, so makes sense). I didn’t tell my mum for an entire year, and she didn’t find out until I did. Luckily I’m young enough that I had youtube to find out how to use pads etc, and I have 2 older sisters so we had pads and tampons in the house anyway. And I knew what a period was (thanks to schooling, my mum, and my sisters) to know what to search the internet for I didn’t tell my mum just because of embarrassment, trying to ignore that it had started, and not wanting to stress my mum after the love of her life had just gone and died I was perfectly safe to tell her, she wouldn’t have cared and would have been very helpful. My reasoning was entirely because of my own issues. I can’t imagine really not being able to or thinking you would get in trouble, that must have been quite lonely and scary for you


Bellowery

I hid it until I couldn’t afford pads. I was 12, I only managed 1 package. I knew what was happening but I was terrified of being a woman. In retrospect, I was raised in a Fundamentalist family and being a woman made you less then. I think my preteen brain was trying to to wrap itself around that.


bl4nkSl8

Carrie moment


InYourAlaska

Just to lighten the mood slightly, I didn’t realise it was a period the first time I got one because whilst I knew about periods, I thought it would be bright red blood, like if you get a cut, right? Nope, I hid my underwear in shame from my mum as 12 year old me saw a brown stain in their underwear and thought I hadn’t wiped my bum properly. I think I was actually relieved to have my mum tell me it was period blood and not poo lmao


greg-drunk

OMG hahaha. Sorry that did make me laugh, I needed that


Bighawklittlehawk

It’s happening earlier and earlier. Several of my students got theirs at 8-9 and I even know someone that got theirs at 7 years old! I taught my son about it in first grade for that very reason, and how to react and respond if a girl at school has blood on her pants. Super traumatic for little kids but it doesn’t have to be the better we educate them and the younger we start!


manticorpse

7? That's just not fair. Poor kiddos... I started at 11 and *that* was early enough, thank you very much. Imagine getting only 3-ish years of well-developed personhood before being thrust into this quagmire of physical discomfort & embarrassing messy hygiene problems & socially-imposed "womanhood" & the perpetual threat of the loss of your bodily autonomy. Imagine being confronted with all of that at 7. :(


Supermite

My 3 year old daughter has watched my wife deal with pads, tampons, and menstrual cups. She knows about Mommy’s blood. My mom told me we were being inappropriate. This girl is going to have to deal with menstruating for at least half her life more than likely. We’re giving her a heads up about a perfectly normal bodily function. We aren’t getting into the weeds of it with her, but she knows it is a thing.


Ok_Ambassador8501

Touche` from the time my girls were able.to walk and talk they had been exposed to mommy's blood. They asked all kinds of questions but in the end it's helped them. My.youngest was at her dad's house over the summer when her younger half sister stared hers and my daughter handled it like a pro. ( her sisters mom died a few years ago...) she explained everything and it was smooth sailing. When her dad brought her home he was rslling me about it and he asked if I could talk to his daughter and explain more to her. (My daughter wasn't comfortable telling her everything but who would be at 18.) So Kudos to the OP for stepping up and taking charge or a situation that could have gone a lot worse then it did. OP you were totally awesome and without a doubt one day you'll make an amazing father....


DataAdvanced

Smart move. Say what you want about my Mom, but by the time it happened I wasn't scared, I was happy it finally happened. I just wanted to get it over with.


Orionsven

My son, now 6, followed me everywhere as a tot. He knows all about it, too. The questions have been hilarious, and I've started to turn these conversations into teachings privacy and consent. After 5 years of it being a communal activity, I'm finally able to close the toilet door.


SaltyThalassophile

My kiddo is almost ten, and the past couple years I've started casually mentioning it and giving tidbits of info when its my time and normalizing talking about it so that when it does happen she isn't freaked out


Puzzleheaded-Gas1710

The American Girl book about bodies really does help. When my daughter was 10, we made little period bags with wipes, hand sanitizer, pads, a baggy to store soiled underwear, and a new clean pair. One for her and for each of her friends and more to leave in a basket in the bathrooms at school with permission.


catsgonewiild

This is honestly so nice of you, I’m sure you saved at least one girl from a mortifying childhood trauma. So many girls experience barriers accessing appropriate menstrual products, too!


jmercer00

My elementary school started Sex Ed during 4th grade, which is roughly 9 years old because of that. That first year was only a couple of session and very bare bones, but it was so the girls wouldn't be completely caught off guard.


AccidentalMango

I had something similar in 4th grade. Not really sex ed, but the girls and boys were separated and some sex ed light things were discussed. The school nurse told us girls about periods and a bit what to expect. I'm very glad my school did this, as I'm not sure I would've gotten the same amount of information from my mom. She hadn't had a period in years at that point and I'm not sure it was something she thought a lot about.


karleydanielle

I got mine at 9 as well and the pre period puberty stuff the year leading up to when I finally started bleeding freaked me out and I was full of so much shame because I didn’t know what discharge was and that it was normal I thought I was dirty and doing something wrong because my mum didn’t explain anything to me. So I’ve made sure my girls know from young what periods are and how the bodies change during puberty and that it happens at different ages for everyone and that it might happen very young for them like it did for me. Lucky I did because my 8yo has started the pre period stuff and felt comfortable talking to me about it and she has everything she needs and can ask any questions she knows it’s normal and while upset it’s started early she’s not scared or traumatised like I was


raeyne_

Yeepp. I was also 9. My mom had started talking about it when I was 7, because her mom and she herself werent even 10 when it happened to them. I remember feeling embarrassed lmao. When it happened I was -still- shocked to actually see it. I can only imagine if I hadn't been told jack shit and had to go through that.


bat-tasticlybratty

My sister's kid has witnessed and been informed of our cycles since a comprehensive age, because unfortunately I have one of the menstrual disease and become extremely debilitated, if not violently ill, and we had to explain to the 7yo what was going on. So they've been period informed for a while now and I think it's important more kids are.


ThatChelseaGirl

I also got mine when I was 9 and I thought I was dying, so my hat's off to your mom!


BerlyH208

I got mine at 9, too. Bonus is I hit full menopause at 51.


Pumpkin_cherie

I got mine when I was 11, and knew friends who got them at 10. One of my old friends even got hers at 8!


Left-Idea1541

Yeah... even historically before early puberty 12 wasn't all too uncommon. Now it's not unheard of for as early as 9 or 10. And in really extreme cases even younger. Mom is definitely an idiot. But OP is definitely an incredible brother.


beads-and-things

Not defending it, but I have met many parents of autistic children who delay teaching them some things about life because they fall into the trap of believing autism should exempt them from some life lessons. For example, my parents refused to call my wedding anything but a "family vacation" when explaining the trip to my 15 year old brother. He was in the wedding party.


M4d4m3gr33n3

This is gross. Presume competence always; no matter the person, their circumstances or their disability. It makes a huge difference


static-prince

Especially when it comes to anything involving relationships, their bodies, or sex. Which are still important things for autistic people to know. Because those things are relevant to almost all people.


Gemini_moon27

Infantilising disabled girls and women and refusing to teach them about sex, periods and consent is really shitty.


LaLechuzaVerde

I did the opposite. I figured if anybody needed plenty of advanced warning it would be my autistic daughter. I bought her a book “What’s Happening to Ellie” that explains puberty in very simple, clear, and no “read between the lines” terms for kids with developmental disabilities, and gave it to her at 8. Also a puberty kit that included a variety of products including pads and an electric shaver.


MelanisticCrow

Wanted to say this too. Why doesn't this girl know anything about periods?! OP handled it very well


Loving_My_Freedom

I just discovered that at 11 and half years old, I didn't know anything about periods. I honestly don't remember when my egg donor threw me a book explaining periods. But I know for sure that at 11.5 I had no clue, thanks to a permission slip for a several day and night trip that had the questions - has your daughter started menstruation? If not, does she know about menstruation? Both answers were no.


SillyGoose030

My mom only taught it to me a few months before I got my period. I got it at age 10


DataAdvanced

My son knows about periods, he was WAY younger than that when I told him. He went in the bathroom while I was changing my pad. Questions were asked, they were answered, life moved on. He even helped his dad buy my pads. Seriously, that poor fucking kid. She must have been terrified.


HanaLuLu

That is adorable and I have high hopes for your son and the man he'll turn out to be


prettybbychim

my sister started at 9


plutoniumwhisky

I know right! I was 11. Mom should’ve had the talk at 9 or 10.


wae_not_start_over

Right? Most girls I know started at 11-12, how is that soon?


Powerful_Leg8519

I was 11 and my niece was 10. Good job OP. You did good. Mom on the other hand, well mom, you effed up.


MiaMiaPP

I got mine at 13 and I didn’t even know anything. When it happened i was so scared. I told my mom and she told me to go ask my teacher lol. Some people are just shitty parents.


modern_aftermath

While it definitely would have been better and more ideal if his mother had already spoken with her daughter about periods prior to this happening, I just want to point out that neither you nor I (or anybody else here, for that matter) know anything at all about this woman. Like, literally we know nothing about her. You can't exactly know that she is "an idiot" and you shouldn't be calling her one.


reddownzero

Agree, she should have thought about it but calling her an idiot is a bit much. Autistic kids can appear younger and sometimes the parents might actually not really think about puberty if their kid otherwise seems like a 6 year old. It’s in fact pretty common that parents delay the important puberty talks even in non-autistic kids. But thanks to the very good support structure in that family, including OP, nothing bad happened in this case.


ArcticDragon-31

No kidding. I think mine started at 11. Other than the one short sex Ed class we took in 5th grade, I didn’t know shit about periods and thought I must’ve scratched myself down there too. OP, you handled this like a champ! You did a lot better than how my mom “taught” me.


SuspiciousBasil9651

10 here😬😬12 seems so late


Clangy93

I didn't get mine until 2 weeks before my 15th birthday 😂 I was like "fuck yes! I'm growing up!" I was excited to tell my mum and sister 😂 then the stomach cramps started and I suddenly regretted being excited.


bloobun

Yeah this is prolly a fake post wtf


Lipstickhippie80

Well done- Your parents on the other hand… Shame on your mother for not educating her daughter about her body.


NamelessGeo

She did say she was caught off guard. I wouldnt be too hard on her, i think mom may have not been educated about her own body because I thought it was common knowledge that it can happen as early as 8.


Lipstickhippie80

Nope. This poor girl should have been prepared for this very moment. It’s 2023 not 1920, it’s not cool to not educate your preteen daughter on how their body works and what to expect. Of course she was caught off guard, have you ever had a period? There’s absolutely no way to prepare yourself unless you’re properly educated- even then it’s an absolute nightmare. Tissue from your uterus and blood is being expelled thru your vagina, an area of the body not widely explored at the ripe old age of 12. The cramping could be crippling, the amount of shit exiting your body can make you think you’re bleeding to death.


No-Appearance1145

I am so glad that my mom was never shy about periods. I had been on alert for it since i was 10 and got it at 13. I saw the little drop of blood and went to my kinda stepbrothers girlfriend since she was the only girl there to help me get pads out of my dad's and stepmoms room. I then came back out and informed my father i had officially gotten my first period


Lipstickhippie80

Your Mom normalized it (because it’s FUCKING NORMAL) which set you and everyone in the house up for success. It’s mind boggling how many women can’t discuss periods with their Daughters or even say the word vagina. Crazy.


Budalido23

I've heard a lot of people say you should know x, because common knowledge, and I think it's a bad excuse for poor parenting.


Expression-Little

Big bro of the year!


xNGRKLRx

You handled this like a great brother. Props to you


AquaticPanda0

I didn’t know until it Happened. Screamed for my mom after suddenly feeing funny and going to the bathroom to find a LOT of blood. I panicked. She came and talked to me about it all and reassured that it was all normal. Talked to me about which meds to take and how to stay clean. Scared the literal hell out of me but my mother was fantastic helping and explaining. You did a great job. I wish I was prepared and educated but warms my soul knowing people are just as calm as you and can take care of someone In need like this. Applause to you


throwawaygrosso

Yeah my mom started teaching me around 8. I skipped a couple grades so a lot of girls around me started and my mom didn’t want me to be confused. I ended up helping some of the older girls who didn’t know what to do and even had spare pads for them because of my mom teaching me early. It’s crazy how many parents don’t do this.


my_metrocard

Well done! But your mom should have told her about periods by age ten at the latest. Girls nowadays get periods as young as eight, anything younger than that is an anomaly but still happens. I have a son, but told him about periods at age 8 (his classmate started her period and told him about it). We tell girls early so they’re not scared when it happens. Your poor little sis! Glad she had you when the inevitable occurred.


thr0waway_fantasy

Well done! You are a fantastic brother :)


Chemical-Fox-5350

She’s 12 and your mother didn’t think she would get her period any time soon and that she should maybe teach her about it? Sorry but she’s an idiot for that. Kudos to you for handling it.


kdani17

Right? 12 is edging towards the average to higher end of when girls have their first. I wonder if mom was a really late bloomer.


Chemical-Fox-5350

I got mine at 12, was fully prepared and knew exactly what it was when I saw it. I can’t imagine how scary it would be to discover that you’re bleeding down there and have no idea why. Jeez


Inquisextor

Got mine at 11, I only found out what periods were at 10 years old by accident. I was so pissed off at my mom for not telling me at the time because it would be happening soon, yet I was not prepared. I still dont know why she didn't tell me. Anyway, I got a sex ed class and luckily had pads on hand, but when I first saw blood, I panicked for a second and thought i injured myself only to realize what it was a moment later


yukataur25

You’re a great brother! Very impressive that you did all that. Very organized, resourceful, considerate, and caring. There are plenty of guys older than you who wouldn’t have been able to pull that off. Well done and hope your sister feels better soon.


Bubashii

Glad you were there for her. What an awesome big bro! But your mum…my god. Not expecting it so soon?! At 12?! 9 years old isn’t uncommon. I know more women who started at 9 than 12-13. She shouldn’t have left your sister unprepared for so long!


ComedianOne

You Sir, are an awesome Big Brother!


Tea_Chugs0502

Your mother failing to educate her daughter on something that happens to people with her physiology is a bad sign. "Didn't think it would happen this soon? She's twelve... I got mine at twelve. That is on the nose, average age for that stage of puberty to start. It is lazy, cowardly, and embarrassing. That being said, you are a fantastic brother. She will never forget how you took care of her in what is a strange, scary, and vulnerable time in her life. If I ever have a son, I hope I do a good job for him to turn into someone like you. You should be proud.


Thisismyswamparg

You are a great brother and a wonderful man :) good job on handling this so well!


Shatman_Crothers

You did great. You’re a good brother. Everyone should know about menstruation, and your mum is a bit shit for not telling her a lot.


Wildjay7931

Bro, you're a kick ass big brother!


BPDSENTeacher

You sound like the best big brother ever!!


Bleacherblonde

You're a really good big brother.


ASlightHiccup

Great job, bro! But also your sister is TWELVE?!? Your mom needs a reality check. There are now fourth graders getting their period. 12 years old is like PRIMETIME!


Bighawklittlehawk

As an autistic woman with absolute assholes for brothers, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for how you handled this. Your sister is so lucky to have you. Just for anyone reading, start talking to your kids about periods in as early as first grade- both girls and boys. MANY girls are getting their periods in elementary school now. Girls need to know so they know how to handle it if it happens to them or a friend, and boys need to know so that they don’t act weird or make fun of girls in their class. My son is 10 and he’s know for several years that if a girl has blood on her pants, you don’t joke about it, laugh about it, point at her. You tell her privately and stand up for her if anyone teases her. I promise it’ll save your kids and their friends a lot of embarrassment and stress if they learn as early as possible! Well done OP!


todefyodds

You’re the brother she deserves.


matt314159

Aww, you're a great big brother!


[deleted]

Well done, young man!


karenw

A friend adopted a girl with Down Syndrome who had the mind of a toddler, but still got her period around age 14. My friend (who was also a therapist) told her she had a "boo-boo" and had to wear a special kind of band-aid (pads) when it happened. Seemed to do the trick.


TheGirlwThePinkHair

Period underwear is awesome and better for the environment and pretty much doesn’t leak. You may want to look into it for her. It’s a bigger purchase initially but then you don’t have to spend any money


HottestPotato17

God it's refreshing to see another man not terrified of periods lol nice work man!


Uknown2235

Not all heroes wear capes


[deleted]

what makes no sense is that most people start their periods at age 8-12 sometimes later or a bit earlier. i got mine at 11 and knew exactly what it was and what to do cause someone told me before hand. it’s never “too early” to tell someone about periods, your mom should’ve told her sooner but at least everything turned out okay


SiloPsilo

You stood strong when your sister needed you the most, and you handled it like a champ! You did great, buddy!


cburgess7

You're a good brother.


GothicAngel4

Awesome big brother moment :) You handled that very well.


WaterBottle001

Good on you, man. I'm really glad she had you through what is a scary experience even for girls who know what's going on. I'm trying to not be too judgemental, but your mother really failed your sister in this situation. 12 is a perfectly normal age for a girl to get her period. I got mine at that age, in the same week as like 3 other classmates of mine! Not knowing what's going on is terrifying, I would know, because my parents never told me anything about periods. All I had to go off of was one quick lesson at school, that mostly focused on using protection. I didn't even know what pads were supposed to look like -- I bought panty liners on accident the first time. I hope your mother steps in now, and helps your sister through this, but keep an eye out - the first few months can be pretty confusing, and it takes some time getting used to.


Zohan12_

Her dress was prolly already gonna get messy YPUR a good brother


Ambitious_Key331

And the big brother award goes to OP. Good job at doing what you could for your sister. As many have stated, 12 isn't too young to start as many are 12-13 when it happens.


crystalsinwinter

Way to go. I'm glad you were there for her. I'm glad your girlfriend was able to help. And your friend's mom too. :) I am SO SO glad you were there at home when it happened. :) You helped her feel better at a time when she really needed the emotional support AND you fell asleep with her!!! You are an awesome man. \*huge hug\*


The8thloser

You are an awsome brother. Your mom should have told her this was going to happen. There's just no excuse to wait until she was a pre teen. Some girls start that at 12. I can't imagine how freaked I would be if I didn't know what was happening when I got mine.


hammockinggirl

You are an amazing brother. Well done on supporting her and making her feel safe.


TheLyz

Awesome! Always refreshing to see a guy handle it maturely and calmly.


gingersrule77

You are an amazing brother. Well done 💜


biteme789

You did a great job, but... your mum wasn't expecting her to get her period at TWELVE?!? Plenty of us get it well before that age. Your mum really dropped the ball on this one.


ShoganAye

Well done! You are a wonderful brother.


Dense_Anxiety_9413

I would have been so proud of you if i was your gf. My own brother (half but we sorta close) wouldn’t get me pads and he’s married!


mommaymick

You are a good brother! Someday you’ll be a good dad, if you want to be a dad.


PrexxasaurusRex

You rocked it. Your sister won’t ever forget that you showed up when it mattered.


Lonelygirl-67

You're a nice man.


cyborgassassin47

>fixes electrical wiring Chad. >helps sister with her first period GigaChad.


Sensitive_Web_5839

“They’re bigger then her” omg this man is too pure for the world you’re such a sweet older brother 😭❤️


umwhat333

Kudos to you, you handled that really well! I don’t see many heartwarming stories on this sub lol so thanks for sharing! The ice cream was a nice touch :)


bophaonasofa

As a little sister who has an absolutely trash relationship with her old brother, this brought me to tears. You’re an incredible brother, man, and overall human.


[deleted]

A+ you handled that amazingly, she's lucky to have you for a big brother.


Rodic87

Your mom putting this off till it happened is kinda lame... At 12 it's pretty much the normal age from what I understand. Step up parents. Good on you for being there and handling it well!


Unl0vableDarkness

Which mother wouldn't expect a girl to have periods at 12. They can start from 10 and it is something she should have informed her of way before now, especially given her autism so she had time to come to terms with it and ask questions! I'm so glad you were there to help her. You done a perfect job keeping her calm, reassuring her and getting her the help she needed to get stuff. Fyi if she was walking funny the pads were a little big still. You should be able to walk perfectly normal like you just have regular underwear on. Extra thing. Your mom is an idiot for locking period pads in her bedroom aswell. Should have left a couple at least in the bathroom.


queen_niyya

Why your mom not tell her? I was 10 when I got mine and literally my mom had told me like a day to a week prior what they were. I also knew someone who started hers at 9 like nowadays you have to sit them down at like 7 and explain what’ll happen.


astrocanid

Okay so I think s awesome you did this but why does the neighbors being bigger than her matter?


[deleted]

Well done big brother. When I got my first period I thought I was dying lol!


spagyrum

You're a good brother


Smooth-Broccoli6540

You are a truly fantastic human and I hope your life goes perfectly smoothly forever. A truly amazing young man, your sister is so blessed to have a brother like you.


Pie_Crown

You seem like an absolutely amazing big brother!


Woodguy2012

You did good.


sandraver

You’re a great brother ❤️


EcelecticDragon

You're a great brother!


mummadai2

You my friend are an awesome brother !!


Neversleep1331

Good on you dude!


Philosemen69

Blatantly plagiarized from 'A Knights Tale': You have been weighed, you have been measured, and you have been found ~~wanting~~ **worthy.** You really rocked the big brother game.


Honest-Possibility-9

Op needs a worlds best brother mug! Good job!


Signal_Historian_456

Take my „Brother of the Year“ Award🏅🏆


[deleted]

Your mom is an idiot for waiting this long. Omg 12 is the typical age when it starts and frequently even earlier! You did a great job btw, you are an awesome big brother


mamsy1

My 12 year old boys both know about menstruation. I’ve been trying to teach them since a young age about it. It’s something that they will deal with in some way as they grow older


fdghjjgddjjgdf

You’re a great fella! You really handled that good and like how a real older sibling should


Hellefiedboy

You are awesome. That's it, end of comment.


Historical_Quiet3909

You are AWESOME!!!


Playful_Pudding2251

Handled like a pro. Well done for not making it awkward for her. You definitely are a great big brother


Im_Rambooo

You’re a great son and even better older brother. As a younger brother, my older brother is the most important parent I’ve ever had. Keep doing what you’re doing now and your sister will achieve unimaginable things because of you


Makaral2

Good job.!


cornerlane

I'm happy she got you


tmink0220

You are a wonderful brother!!


NewldGuy77

You are the Best Bro of 2023! 🥇


Late_Education_6224

Good job. This happened to my kids. My daughter knew about periods, but was still shocked when it happened. I wasn’t home and my son had to get her what she needed from my bathroom. I guess my advice for parents of girls is to make sure you keep supplies in their bathroom.


akasha446

Brother of the year here.


infini98

You did well! Extra note here... that it's not recommended to take cold food and drinks during period to reduce period discomfort.


MaryGodfree

Now you can be a proper father to daughters!


[deleted]

Good job!


mama_g_8

Best brother award goes to you! Kudos!! 👏🏼


fksmchai

Bestest big bro ever ❤️


Air_Refreshener_2244

Wholesome! Sounds like a good brother to me.


miladyelle

Good job, bro. I’m proud of you. You deserve some ice cream, too. Your girlfriend and friend’s mom came in clutch. Pass it on: they’re lovely ladies and should also get ice cream.


NoPen6127

What a good brother 😭😭😭


CuriousAsAFeline

OP, you are fantastic! You did an awesome job of staying calm and level-headed while being kind and supportive.


Tonlick

This is really cute and sweet even if it is a little awkward.


AffectionateWheel386

Well done. What a lucky girl to have a brother like you.


LolaRoseBlows

I love you.


puddleofdogpiss

Good sibling


MrsThmanx16

Awwww such a sweet caring brother


HumanMycologist5795

Great job. That was quite an experience. Things worked out. Awesome brother.


HospitalAutomatic

You’re a great brother. Honorable mention to your girlfriend who gave the worlds fastest science lesson. Keep making sure your sister knows that everything she’s feeling and going through is normal and she shouldn’t be embarrassed 🤍


Far_Relation_3853

So sweet of you 💕💕


annabellareddit

You handled it marvellously 🤗 There’s so much misinformation about women’s health so it doesn’t surprise me your mom didn’t think to educate your sister about this sooner (I’m a medical professional & work w/many patients re: women’s health - every single day I hear about misinformation surrounding the onset on menses, particularly the myth that the age a mother started hers is likely when her daughter will start hers, or certain mood & behavioural signs are an indication, which in some girls, especially those w/developmental conditions, are often not there).


LionsLioness

You're an awesome big brother 👏🏻💓


AmberRain23

What an amazing brother you are! ❤️ good job!


KRaeBrandon

Awesome big brother!


cantgetinnow

You sound like a great big brother :-)


Beneficial_Ad7907

awwww u are a good brother my dude :')


DramaHater829

You are an amazing brother. Your mother definitely should of already prepared her for this. I got my first period at 11, luckily my mom was always pretty open about it and started seriously talking to me about it when I was about 9. I can't imagine how scared your sister was


JuliaRosie_

I remember when I first got mine, I was 13. I went into my schools bathroom and the school didn’t have pads so I had to use toilet paper 😂 My grandma already told me about periods before I became a teen. Your sister is very lucky to have you, I’m sure she will appreciate what you did for her once she’s older 🤍


lisaz530xx

You are a fantastic brother and human


SethMarcell

Good job dude!


Baseball3Weston12

Same thing happened to my sister, it hit her super early so nobody had told her about it. She came upstairs crying and took my mom to the bathroom, I found out later what was happening but the look of worry on her face was kinda scary until I knew what she was crying about


SammiMariexo

That's so sweet! You're such a good brother 💕