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Original poster

Is 10 too young to use tampons?

23 replies

nappyaddict · 21/10/2007 23:04

I sometimes babysit the girl up the road who is 10. we are quite close and she will talk to me about things she's worried about etc. anyway she started her period last month and was saying how she was upset cos now she can't go swimming twice a week as she used to. i wanted to say try tampons but was worried 10 would be too young. anyone else's nine or ten year old used tampons?

OP posts:
sKerryMum · 21/10/2007 23:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

spookthief · 21/10/2007 23:06

They do a mini size which would be ok wouldn't it? My friend started when she was a little older than that and I remember her telling us that her mum said she couldn't use tampons because then "she wouldn't be a virgin" . I'd have hoped things would have moved on from then and it would just be an issue of whether she found them comfy or not.

expatinscotland · 21/10/2007 23:22

Being new to having a period has nothing to do with one's risk of TSS.

I used tampons from my very first period at age 11.

I was into ballet and there was NO way I was going to wear some nasty ol', environmentally horrible pad under my leotards.

As long as she's familiar with her body she should be fine using them so long as she changes them frequently.

chopchopbusybusy · 21/10/2007 23:25

No reason why she can't use tampons. But she may not want to. DD1 didn't swim during her period until she was 13 and a half. I bought her tampons and explained how to use them, but she didn't want to. Just give her the option and leave it up to her.

gigglewitch · 21/10/2007 23:30

I used them from my first AF too, and as long as she has enough info to do it right - i.e. get it into a comfortable position and change regularly; then i think it's more hygenic, and not to mention much less embarrassing for a young girl. My DD is only little but you have made me think - and if it's ok from her mum's perspective, then no probs.

Original poster
nappyaddict · 21/10/2007 23:40

gigglewitch how old were you when you started?

OP posts:
mamazon · 21/10/2007 23:43

i would not like either my daughter or sister using tampons at such a young age, depsite useing them myself.

seeker · 21/10/2007 23:46

I've been thinking about this too - my dd's 11. I can't remember not doing anything when I had my period when I was young - but I followed my very forward thinking mother. I didn't use tampons until I was 16, I think - but I danced and rode and swam - maybe I ws just hugely insensitive and didn't notice the bulges!

dd will be starting soon, I'm sure - and she has a very active, sporty life. I'd hate her to be restricted at all. Not sure I'd know how to explain how to use tampons to her, though!

gigglewitch · 22/10/2007 00:21

i was more like 13 - tho i honestly don't think the age made a difference. I used to swim 5x a week, dance and do gymnastics. I would never have coped with that towel business would have been suicidal!! Oh yes i am sure i was hyperactive or something. would give anything for that amount of energy now. I still dance tho, and kids in my dancing school don't seem to have issues with big bulgy knickers (TMI)

madamez · 22/10/2007 00:25

If she's old enough to menstruate, she's old enough to use tampons. But it's up to her: give her as much info as you can and let her make her own mind up.
just out of intereset, Mamazon, why wouldn't you like it?

gigglewitch · 22/10/2007 00:29

my thoughts too madamez

Seona1973 · 22/10/2007 10:22

I used tampons from quite young - started my period around the age of 10/11 while still at primary school (year 1-7). Tampax even do a mini one designed for younger girls. My sister on the other hand rarely used/uses them and prefers towels. I would let her know they are available and then she can decide for herself

Original poster
nappyaddict · 22/10/2007 16:23

do you think i should have a word with her mum first? she may not like the idea of her using them although i don't really know why. did you use tampons pretty much from the start?

OP posts:
harleyweendemon · 22/10/2007 16:29

i used them from that age
i cant see any problem with it

LilBloodRedWantsGore · 22/10/2007 16:30

I think you should mention what she has said to her Mum and tell her you wanted to suggest tampons but thought it best to consult her. Ask her if it's okay to suggest them next time she mentions periods/swimming.

BrownSuga · 22/10/2007 16:30

def speak to her mother first and suggest it to her, then let mother do the suggesting to her own dd.

Original poster
nappyaddict · 22/10/2007 16:31

should i mention it to the girl that i am going to have a word with her mum? i don't want her to lose trust in me for going behind her back.

OP posts:
gigglewitch · 22/10/2007 20:39

something along the lines of "i think i have an idea that might help but i need to chat with your mum about it" ? i think i'd do that, or encourage discussion between either girl & mum or all three of you; then lucky young lady has a really strong support network.
If her mum's already a friend of yours then it should be ok - and remind the mum that she has a very open and mature young lady and it shows how balanced she is etc - just in case mum feels pushed out if her DD hasn't mentioned it to her.

lomondgore · 22/10/2007 20:44

I wouldn't mention it until you have had a word with her mum. Tell her how upset she is about going swimming and see what she says. Maybe she feels she is too young, I think you have to respect her decision. I would be worried that a 10yr old would forget to change them too and the risk of toxic shock.

Maybe suggest to the mum that she only wears them for swimming?

gigglewitch · 22/10/2007 21:00

hey, lomond has a great compromise idea there.

screamsprout · 22/10/2007 21:05

I found pads THE worst thing about periods when I started (I was 12). I felt so self conscious. Getting my first tampon in was one of the most liberating things I have ever done.

I agree that using them sometimes might be a good way for her to go but it's really up to her.

Original poster
nappyaddict · 22/10/2007 23:52

thanks gigglewitch - i'll do that

OP posts:
Tortington · 22/10/2007 23:53

Yeah, get a 4x4 you tart!

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