AIBU to let my nine year old shave her legs?

[Ljcrow]

I posted on the parenting thread asking for recommendations for a safe and easy to use electric shaver for my 9 year old to use on her legs and the initial responses were: none. So I thought I'd see whether people think I'm being reasonable by letting her shave or unreasonable due to her age.

For context: she's self conscious to the point she won't now wear shorts outside of the house even when the weather's warm or for PE at school. As much as I think it's far too young (I was 12/13) it's her body and her choice. It's a sad reflection of our patriarchal society but I'm not forcing my 9 year old to lead the revolution.

I'd rather her use a safe electric razor with my help and support than her trying to tackle it herself and potentially doing herself some damage or remaining self conscious and uncomfortable in warm weather.

Interested in others' opinions!

Please explain why ? if your daughter came to you like op how would you deal with it then ? and how would you deal with it if you found her doing it in secret ?

I would allow it. I have thick dark hair and had hairy legs. I also went down the route of pinching my mums razor and cutting my legs to shreds. My 9 year old hasn't asked yet but she has dark hair as well and I don't think it'll be long.

Epilation would be better, you could schedule her for a wax the first few times and she could use an at home epilator after that. I had the same problem and started using it around the same age

She held my hand but was fine, and this from a child with a pretty low pain threshold!! I think at that age the hairs are so fine it doesn’t hurt so much and she really wanted to get it done.

At the same age I bought my DD that sandpaper stuff you rub over your leg and it dissolves the hair- worked really well

I don't know, waxing feels more extreme somehow and I worry it would hurt her. But you're not the only one to suggest it so I'll have a think.
And thank you, I'm definitely not always lovely but I'm trying!

defo look into it maybe have a chat with a few places about it. it really helps slow down the growth. I could see it after a while patches were more sparse too and got more Time in between appointments

Could also look at home IPL

I did this. My daughter was self conscious at 10, pale skin and dark hair. I remembered how unsupportive my mum was, legs cut to ribbons like it sounds like happened to a few of you. I just bought an electric BB ladyshave and she’s used it happily with no issues. She’s 13 now and also gets her upper lip and eye brows waxed.
Home IPL with my Lumea doesn’t seem to have much in the way of results.
She’s much happier and self confident so that’s what matters not the opinions of others.

I also wouldn't consider waxing at that age. DD almost 17 wants to give it a go and I still discourage it.

As for shaving, why not? I agree an electric razor should be safer. Id explain to her it's legs only, not arms or anywhere else. Encourage her to share her body concerns means she'll continue to come to you with all sorts.

It might be a fad, if something else has tried it they may be talking in school.

My DD wanted a razor straight away, she was about 11 or 12. We took ages with foam and doing her legs together for the first few months. They have to learn and make decisions for them.

My daughter now 12 has been using an electric shaver for a while now - I offered it too her just said let me know when and if you want too as I went through the same myself and my mum wouldn’t allow to shave etc and I was extremely dark and hairy, complete opposite to her so she don’t understand.