General Chat

Hi Sheila Yes she has occasionally put the dirty Knickers in her drawer, she likes to change clothes as often as possible, even if they are not dirty. She thinks that putting on clean clothes makes her clean. Liz, the deodrants ect never thought about that one, what's the dodgy stuff you have to be aware of then? catherine xx thankyou to everyone's comments, she went off clean and fresh this morning to school. She does admitt to herself that she feels better after a bath/shower.

My girls didn't start until they were 13, but what has comforted me is hearing about this aversion to washing. My older daughter went through this phase (and the putting the dirty knickers back in the drawer!) - I thought it was just her! Thanks for making me feel better. Sheila.

It is interesting to read this thread and one thing came to me which I thought I might mention. There have been many articles written on the dangers of some ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants. Some think that there is a link between these products and breast cancer. Would it not be sensible, in view of the young age of these girls using the products, to discourage use of the ones with the 'dodgy' ingredients ? If it will mean our young people are no longer at risk, then that will make things worth looking into. Liz

my daughter was just before her 11th birthday......

Hello Catherine, It sounds like your daughters body is changing, my daughter started at 9yrs old,poor soul started on xmas day,she was`nt 10yrs old till the following April. we had a nickname for it, we called it `her friend` so no male knew what we were talking about,It was less embarrising too! Linda

I agree with Christine, I'm hitting the peri menoupose as my eldest hits puberty. not good! xxx

my daughter was 11 when she started,so still in primary school she was the youngest of my 2 girls.quiet a shock that she started so young but she 15 this year and has coped well with it all bacardi xx

Don't worry - in a year's time, you wont be able to get her OUT of the bathroom, LOL OC

Catherine, your little girl is probably not very happy with the changes taking place with her body and can't equate it with the need to take more care with her personal hygene. Other than soap and water, just give her a deodorant for now, maybe she could choose her own? introduce moisturisers etc. over time. Once more girls in her class start using these products, she will probably be more than happy to try them. Teresa, mum to two teenage girls

My elder son had BO from the age of 8 - now he's 14 he is very keen on showering etc and has started becoming a bit hairy as well as voice dropping.

catherine i have to admit my daughter showers at the same speed as your girl, lol though now shes 19 shes a bit better than she used to be though her brothers more particular

Hi, My daughters are 5 and 4 so it's a while off yet but when I was at junior school the school had to bring their timing for doing the puberty talks earlier as a girl got her period aged 9. they originally did the talks in fourth year juniors (year 6 now) and had to bring it down to third year juniors (year 5). Don't remember the aversion to washing but I'll have to ask my mum!! Abi

Sorry Nurse Christine. In laymans terms. Lol. I hope at nearly 40 I have a few more years prior to the menopause. But I do think you are right about her not being far off. Thanks Catherine xx

Am with rachel on this ... Every girl will develop at her pace. My daughter is almost 14 and despite developing all the bits and hair as well.. oh yes and the aversion to baths hairwashes etc at about 10, she still hasn't got the monthlies. She got worried as all her friends have started she spoke to the doctor, who reassured her she isn't abnormal, and if she's nopt started by this time next yr he run a few tests. But seeing as she has all the other bits he thinks it's just a question of time.

I know a couple of girls that started aged 11. All the signs are there but it could still be a long way of yet.

Julieanne I have heard boys are better than girls in the bathing stakes. My friend's little lad a few years ago was alway's in the shower. He'd spend an hour there!!! Amy just gone for her bath, and I can tell you she was out in 5 min. 'Have you used soap'? She had to think about it. I have bought her cleansers, moisturisers, deodrant, but unless you stand over her it won't happen. catherine xx

I was begining to develop physically at 8 1/2 yrs, even had period pains regually at about 4 week intervales but didn't start my monthlys untill I was 16 - I had to have bllod tests and brain scans at 14 because my GP was worried, all came back normal. Everyone is differant and growing up happens whenever it must.

Oh thanks everyone for your comments and PM's. I feel much better now. I know I can't change anything, it's gonna happen. I am close to her so I only hope she can talk to me as I tell her all the time. About anything. Her mood swing are unbelievable but like Dawnie, she takes after me. Thankyou all so very much. I really appreciate it. catherine xx

maybe shed like to be able to shave under her arms, sometimes thats the reason, but too embarased to say, with my girl and boy ive found its easier to just buy the stuff, razors deodrant, girly stuff for my daughter,(you all know the stuff) and just said anything you want just say or write it on list, luckily my boy is really perticular on cleanliness, he likes the boys stuff, lynk, that kinda stuff, and loves aftershave, he baths , brushes his teeth , gels his hair, hes a proper boy dont get me wrong, but just worrys at mo his biggest problem is spots

Its OK Catherine......I used to take kids of this age swimming with the school, and you would be surprised the number of 9 year olds who 'started' at that age. My niece was nine....she is thirty-one now.......so it shows how long ago it was.....they seem to be getting younger.....As long as she knows all about it, is prepared with the necessary stuff, then it will be OK....