Jane had always been physically different from her classmates. In all the class photos, she was always in the back row because she was always one of the tallest girls in her class. In the 3rd grade, she had to start wearing a bra before any one else. In the 4th grade, she got her period. She was so embarrassed and afraid that someone would find out she was having her period, or that they would hear her in the bathroom ripping off the paper strip from her pad, that she decided to not go to school for the whole week.

Early puberty in girls is hard. It's always hard to be the first to do something or get something among your peers. Developing earlier than your classmates can make you feel abnormal (as though there's such a thing as "normal" when it comes to periods!). The important thing to remember is that all girls get their periods at some point. In fact, your classmates are really curious about getting their periods, which is why they talk about it sometimes. During the year, other girls in your class will start getting their periods too.

In the meantime, remember that if you use good hygiene, people won't know you have your period unless you tell them.