Mom of daughter entering puberty! Help!!! My 11 year old daughter has been developing for about a year, and we've done the picking out the bra thing, and we've talked about her period somewhat, and yesterday she asked to start shaving. I am letting her shave her underarms, but not ready for the legs yet. I am scared to death to start this journey! Can anyone lend a word of encouragement!!?? :o)

Rebecca - posted on 03/12/2009

iam in the same spot my daughter is ten and she has started shaving but ive told her she is not alowed to shave her legs or they would grow back twice as much! and she has been told about what happens with getting ya period but i dont think nshe quite understands yet! and iam scared to start this journey too!

Linda - posted on 03/11/2009

I just went through the same thing with my daughter. I tired to explain to her once she started shaving she would have to shave for the rest of her life.(that fell on deaf ears). Girls at their age are wanting to show each other that they are maturing. If you donn't allow her to shave her leggs she may try to do it without letting you know and that may result in injury or unsanitary practice (borrowing a friends razor) There is a product on the market called Veet it is a hair removal shave cream with a plastic razor that will help her to learn how to handle a razor before trying a blade. You may also want to suggest she starts with only shaving her leggs below the knees for a start. You have to pick your battles, Save yourself for the one that will come next which willl probably be make-up.Good Luck my daughter is now 14 and going on 25

Jennifer - posted on 03/11/2009

i brought my daughter that razor free shaver but she cant use it because she breaks out in a rash as she has sensitive skin ...but she also gave up on shavin but she did it because she couldnt handle the rash it was giving her

Colleen - posted on 03/10/2009

My 10 yr old daughter started "shaving" a few months ago (after already getting her period!!!!!! YIKES!!). I bought her the razor-free set (it's a little pricey as the shaving cream is actually a hair removal cream) but it was worth it, for safety reasons. She tried it out a couple times & gave it up. I didn't make a big deal about it so I think that's why she gave up on it plus it's a pain (as us women know) and it lost it's luster quickly. Good luck!!

April - posted on 03/10/2009

My youngest is 11, she is developing way earlier than my daughter who is 15 did.  I've actually taught her the safe way to shave her underarms about 2 years ago.  The problem is that if you don't, there is a real possibility that they will start to be made fun of, and kids are so cruel these days.  As long as you get her all the "goodies" and teach her the proper way she will feel comfortable with doing it, and she'll know that she can come to you with any questions and not feel "stupid" about it.

Jo - posted on 03/10/2009

We bought my oldest daughter an electric razor last year. Perhaps ask her why she wants to start shaving her legs. It could be that someone at school has either started to shave or has made a comment about her not shaving.

Dorothy - posted on 03/10/2009

hey i have two daughters went thru this with them. and a sister yrs ago. if they see  like a sibling shave thier legs and all they want to do this. shavein thier legs is something  they have two do like us every other day or they have hairy legs. is what i told them and if you start it you have to do it. i said it is not something to try and never do again.  they both shave  and all both are now on thier periods. i was shocked with my first daughter when she started of course shes was almost 9 so she started really early. my youngest just started yesterday. she was so sad why i do not know when all her frineds had started but her over the past cpl of weeks i was like omg. girl you have no idea what it is all about i said  you want to not be on your period ofr as long as you can. cause once you are it comes once a month or sometimes more rather ya want it to or not. and the journey is onlt beginning  just show her how to shave that way she won;t vut her self to bad. cause they will sneak and do it if ya do not show her and all. mine did i was like you  .. did'nt want to   do it thinkin no way they are my baby girls if they do this that means they are gettin older and that means  they wont be my baby any more .. nono they will always and i mean always need you and want you. no matter how rude they can get.. maybe let her try cause i remember i didnt like hair on my legs when i wore shorts and a bathin suit i know you prolly didnt either..if shaveing is the worst she ask you for her to try then be ever so thankfull.. trust me...

Jaynese - posted on 03/10/2009

My 20 year old was in no big hurry to start the girly stuff but, my 11 year old shaves her pits and her legs, her father actually went out and bought her razers with gel on them and yummy smelling shaving cream and to think for 30 years I have been using soap and cheapy razers! Don't sweat the small stuff. Trust me driving is the big deal!! Just wait!

Wendy - posted on 03/09/2009

INSTEAD OF LETTING HER SHAVE HER LEGS GET HER SOME VEET.  IT'S LINDA LIKE NAIR BUT COMES WITH A RAZER WITHOUT A BADE.  WALMART HAS THEM. WORKS WELL FOR MY 35 YR.OLD HADICAPPED    I'M A.MOTHER OF 4 AND GRANDMOTHER OF 5.  BEN IN YOUR SITUATION A FEW TIMES.   GOOD LUCK

Wendy - posted on 03/09/2009

Quoting Joanie:

Mom of daughter entering puberty! Help!!! My 11 year old daughter has been developing for about a year, and we've done the picking out the bra thing, and we've talked about her period somewhat, and yesterday she asked to start shaving. I am letting her shave her underarms, but not ready for the legs yet. I am scared to death to start this journey! Can anyone lend a word of encouragement!!?? :o)

Rachel - posted on 03/09/2009

Well my daughter Christina (now 13) developed early, had to use deoderant starting at the age of 6, had to wear a bra at 9, period at 10.  It wasn't that bad.  Although I had to talk to Christina about the possibility of a period at the age of 6 because she was developing hair in those places.  As for shaving...whenever Christina started to feel self conscious I allowed her to shave...she was wearing jeans in the middle of summer...so I bought her an electric razer because I felt that it was safer for her.  Of course Christina and I have a very open relationship.  I encouraged her to ask ANY questions that she had...even if she thought they were stupid.  Christina and I had the birds and the bees talk (which every mother dreads).  She knows that anything she has a problem with...she can come talk to me about.  Her father on the other hand...does not want to know anything...and to tell you the truth...it's probably best.  I am happy to say (even with this day in age) Christina is still a virgin and wants to continue to be that way until she is married (at least so far).  And I truly think that it is because her and I have talked extensively about sex and what it involves.

Melanie - posted on 03/09/2009

Hay I'm there too! All I guess I can say is tell her everything and show her everything because if you don't she will find out from her friends... it going to be the right way?? better to come from you then them! good luck!