My 11. 5 year old just got her period, swimming tomorrow evening. What can we do?

[Pumpkinspawn]

Dd Just got her period she has swimming tomorrow evening & I wasn't prepared. She won't wear tampons. What can I get her, I don't want her missing it as I don't want her to see her period as a huge event just something we get on with with a few adjustments. Tia

No idea why they'd be inappropriate though.

How about because inserting them is bloody painful?

OP: I was forced to use tampons, the kind without applicators because they were cheaper, despite them hurting because the swimming classes were already paid for. On one occasion, my mother told me to put it in myself or she'd do it for me. I believe we'd now classify that as a threat of sexual assault. Don't be that parent.

Does she still want to go ? I wouldn’t want to swim 2nd day of period

As a swimmer, I would say skip it until she’s old enough to use a suitable form of sanitary wear - I.e. tampons or a menstrual cup.

Not a hope I'll be asking dd to wear tampons. I could never master them. I've been wearing always since dd's age. I'm delighted the swimwear is an option.

No. My dd was 6 stone when she started.

@MaidOfAle that's awful that you were forced. On the other hand I used them from day one by choice- which was not inappropriate at all. I was sporty and they suited me.

She should not wear tampons if she doesn't want to- but if she did want to try that if obviously fine as it's her body.

I have a 10 year old girl and I can't ever see her using tampons, I don't think she'd like them at all for various reasons. I'd support her if she asked but I think she'd prefer a period swimming costume (we have one in the cupboard waiting as I think her period will start quite soon).

@NerrSnerr I wish I was as organised as you!

Definitely my DD is severely disabled. Before it was possible to get items like period swimwear. If she got her period then she had to miss swimming it was as simple as that. There are some tablets you can get on prescription that can delay periods for holidays etc. We tried them it and she had an increase in seizures.

my neice is 11 and is 5 foot 4 and a size 6/8 ladies.

So you wont ask her to use tampons because you dont like to use them yourself, even though they may solve the very problem you have posted about if she gets on with them?

Why?

She has already stated herself she is very uncomfortable with the idea of tampons. I was the exact same so I won't be asking her to use them even though it would be a solution.

@Pumpkinspawn Your poor Daughter.

I lived in absolute dread of periods, and didn't suffer them til almost 16.

They are so erratic when they first start.

Tampons for an 11 yr old?

Hell no.

It's just too much.

It was distressing to even contemplate those at almost 16.

Periods are such a bane.

That's horrific.
I can only imagine the fear and pain you had to endure.

Quite rightly that would be a serious sexual assault these days.

Off course they would fit, size 6-8 ladies is like an age 11/12

Most of the girls at our club wear tampons or cups some wear period swimwear for training but not for galas.
I used tampons from my first period at age 10, I tried pads for a day but wasn't able to bear the feeling of bleeding into a pad or the feeling of the pad in my underwear. It's a sensory thing I suppose, probably the worst thing about giving birth for me was the weeks of having to use pads.

Modibodi or WUKA teen swimwear. Fast delivery. Works well even for heavy periods. DD has horrendous periods and they've still functioned well although she wouldnt linger in the pool.

Of the two WUKA is DD's preferred swimwear.

The heavy periods that can happen at the beginning of menstruation are usually due to progesterone deficiency. Generally improves as the body and hormone profile matures 😀.

Wuka is designed for swimming and I think they're more discreet. If she has a race suit, they'll be less obvious than with a normal training cossie.

I've never been over 7.5 stone & am under 5'
I've managed to start my periods, have 3 DC & go through menopause successfully at that size.

No they are not. They have a few layers of absorbent material that holds moisture and is antibacterial to prevent smells. And waterproof layers surrounding that to prevent leakage.

My three DD’s all wore women’s clothing sizes at that age. My eldest was 5ft 7 at that age.

The period swimwear is great, op. If she’s not comfortable with the idea of tampons you’re absolutely right not to pressure her. I used tampons from my first period as I hated pads, but that was a choice, it has to come from her.

I swim a lot and the period swimwear absolutely does work.

Tampons for an 11 yr old?* Hell no. It's just too much. It was distressing to even contemplate those at almost 16.*

They're really not that big a deal (cups are tricky though). Once I'd worked them out, it was life changing. Unlike pads, they're invisible so no one knows you're on your period which can be a bit embarrassing if you're a teenager. Less chance of leaking too.

I have heavy periods and I don't know what I'd have done without tampons. Like PPs have said, I also hated having something in my pants so they've been a total life saver. If your daughter is a swimmer, I wouldn't dismiss them as an option, particularly based on your own preferences.

So was I. Not all girls are petite flowers. And I started at 11. I am the same height now at 62, but thankfully no periods for 17 years.

You can get the bikini bottoms in Primark. X