Should I be happy or scared?

Okay so it sounds like something big is happening and you're not sure how to feel about it. It's totally normal to have all sorts of feelings, like excitement and maybe a little worry, especially when your body is changing. You're not alone, literally everyone goes through stuff like this!

Puberty is a wild ride and it can bring on a bunch of new stuff, like your body changing shape, hair growing in new places, and your period eventually showing up. It's a lot to take in, and it's okay if you feel a mix of happy and scared. A lot of kids feel like that. Happy because it means you're growing up, and scared because it's new and can be a little unpredictable.

What to do with all these feelings

First, remember that whatever you're feeling is valid. Don't try to force yourself to be just happy or just scared. You can feel both at the same time. Talking about it can really help. Maybe there's a grown-up you trust, like a parent, aunt, or school counselor, who you can open up to. They've probably been through it too, and they can help you understand what's happening.

Also, learning more about what's coming can make it feel less scary. When you know what to expect, it takes away some of the surprise factor. The more you know, the more confident you'll feel about whatever comes next. You've got this, seriously! This whole website is here for you, so just ask if you have more questions.

If you're wondering how close your first period might be, there's a quiz on this site that can give you some clues: how close is my first period?