Hmmmm, some stuff I've started already and have done for a while, others will be left till she's ready to handle it. I favour the approach of having natural conversations about it as questions or topics arise than sitting down and having the big "birds and bees" talk. I'd far rather she feel comfortable and open that she can talk about anything and everything with me rather than how I was where Mum handed me a couple of books and left me to figure it out for myself.

1. Shaving / Waxing - she's curious already, having occasionally seen me shave mine (more in summer I'll admit, I'm a bit slack in winter). I'll probably let her start around 12-13 but she's like me, very fine blonde hairs so not a big deal really.

2. Periods - she's seen my pads and tampons in the loo from about 4-5, I explained to her in simple terms what they're for and that women bleed once every month when they're grown. She's come back and asked further questions occasionally since then, each time as she's a bit older I've given her a bit more info and now that she's 9 and starting to show signs of puberty approaching (hips widening, major growth spurts in height etc) I've also gotten her a decent book on what it's all about that we read together and talk about.

3. Makeup / Hair Coloring etc - she's had a fascination with makeup for quite a while, mostly her older half-sister's influence rather than mine as I'm not much of a makeup wearer. I'm thinking for her 13th birthday we might go see a beauty therapist together for a makeup class so she can learn to use it properly and not look overdone. Hair colouring I'd consider around the same age 13-14 or so if she asks about it.

4. Boys / Sex / Contraception. - tough one, this gets introduced in schools far earlier than I'd really like (seriously, 12-13 or thereabouts) but we also have already talked about how babies are made and how come I haven't fallen pregnant before now, so kind of an intro to contraception. But more factual info in relation to her will be around 13-14 unless she asks earlier.

5. Bra's - as soon as it becomes apparent that she needs one. She does have little crop tops she wears now, but they're more kiddish than actual bras.