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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to ask at what age did you allow your DD to

106 replies

slightlyunbalanced · 22/05/2011 19:26

shave her legs?

My DD is 11 nearly 12 (youngest in her year) and she is about the only one who doesn't, her legs are really hairy (although she is blonde) and she says she feels conscious when she wears a skirt and bare legs.

I can't see any harm in letting her (with removal cream?).

AIBU?

OP posts:
worraliberty · 22/05/2011 19:27

I was 11 and very dark and hairy. My Mum wouldn't buy me a ladyshave so I used my Dad's razor in the bath!!

BooBooGlass · 22/05/2011 19:28

Not at all. My mum forbade me to and I hated it and was picked on. I think if she's self conscious it's only kind to let her do it.

TheVisitor · 22/05/2011 19:28

My daughter is in the same year. I bought her some hair removal cream a couple of months ago and she's happy. I did wrestle with my conscience till I remembered that I'd started nicking my mum's bic razor at the same age!

tiredgranny · 22/05/2011 19:28

no my niece did hers at 10 blonde hair very dark hair y not let her try waxing lasts longer

follyfoot · 22/05/2011 19:29

When she was bothered enough to want to do something about. She reckons around 11/12.

strandedbear · 22/05/2011 19:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ScaredyDog · 22/05/2011 19:29

My DSis has been cold waxing since she was about 12 - less smelly than hair removal cream and less regrowth.

EverythingInMiniature · 22/05/2011 19:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Vallhala · 22/05/2011 19:33

"Allow"? Hmm

"Wrestle with my conscience"? Hmm

Why? Why do you need to "allow" it or make it a matter of conscience (assuming that your DD isn't asking to shave her legs at the age of 5)?

FWIW there was no "allowing" but my two decided for themselves to do so at about 11 and 12. A girl I know is a championship gymnast and as a result has been shaving her legs since she was 7 or 8. She's a much loved child who wants for nothing in terms of parental care, I doubt if she'll be in any way damaged as a result.

SarahStratton · 22/05/2011 19:34

About 8 for both of them, they are both dark and hairy and very self concious about it. I used to do it for them though.

beesimo · 22/05/2011 19:34

Hair removal creme is full of chemicals some of which can cause well you guessed it chemical burns on tender young skin. My 3 dds (youngest 13) all come with me to have their legs and underarms waxed when we get our nails and hair done about once every three weeks in Summer. Less in Winter unless we are going to a do. No hot wax is let anywhere near are FeeFees.

They also have fake tans in Summer think KP. Mams not happy about it but it makes them mad with joy!

reddaisy · 22/05/2011 19:35

I wasn't supposed to shave mine and I did it anyway at my best friend's house so you might as well assist her. Children can be cruel so if she is self conscious about it then make sure she can deal with it.

Original poster
slightlyunbalanced · 22/05/2011 19:36

Beesimo Shock

OP posts:
Vallhala · 22/05/2011 19:38

Jeez Beesimo, three teenaged daughters? Shock Gawd, i thought it was bad enough in this house...

Coping tips much appreciated please! :o

DuelingFanjo · 22/05/2011 19:38

"No hot wax is let anywhere near are FeeFees." what does this mean?

Vallhala · 22/05/2011 19:39

Waxed fanjos are a no-no, I think, Duelling. :)

HumperdinkFangboner · 22/05/2011 19:39

FeeFees?

HumperdinkFangboner · 22/05/2011 19:40

oh x post

Original poster
slightlyunbalanced · 22/05/2011 19:40

And yes "allow" she is a child and my job is to guide her Hmm

OP posts:
Vallhala · 22/05/2011 19:40

Or DueLing, even. Sorry.

Vallhala · 22/05/2011 19:43

Guide and allow are two different things as far as I see it, slightly, but, as you say, she's your child, your decisions to make not mine. Far be it from me to dictate to you.

I just found that this was something which sort of evolved as the DDs got older rather than was something which I felt the need to allow or disallow. Would have been different had they decided they wanted shaven legs at age 5 of course, as I said before.

heliumballoons · 22/05/2011 19:44

My Mum wouldn't let me - I was really angry at her for it but was always bought up to do as I was told. In year 10 I did it anyway and cut myself. Sad

I think its your DD's body and she should make the decision. I think it's important to let your DC's know they can ask you anything - so when they decide things such as hair removal you can advise the options you preferences and they can mke an informed choice.

Oh how I wish my mum had supported my wishes.

cannydoit · 22/05/2011 19:44

my mum told me no at the age of about 13 and the said i could but that if i cut myself not to expect any sympathy. i think around 12 is about average when they start to get concious of these things. i dont think its a massive deal but definitely a sigh she is getting all grown up and would make any mum a little bit uncomfortable and sad i think.

beesimo · 22/05/2011 19:54

Oh God Ladies I am actually a very strict Mam about things that matter, but honestly if they want to look like KP who am I to deny them. They are 100% safe in the local area, as nobody would dare lay a finger on them and anyway they always move round in a big pack of lasses when their out. They are 'good lasses' who work very hard at school/college and also work hard round the place without being nagged.

I want them to enjoy their teenage years because once their married if they marry local that is they will well and truly have their wings clipped.

Duelling Fanjo

You of all people should know what a Fee Fee is!

Original poster
slightlyunbalanced · 22/05/2011 19:58

This just got interesting Grin

OP posts: