Periods and tampons

[NoMoreMarbles]

My DD is just about to turn 13 and has has sporadic, irregular periods since turning 12. They are usually light, lasting about 2 days or so and she's just used pads throughout each. She started her most recent period on Christmas Day and it was much heavier and lasted until the New Year's Eve -she was entirely unimpressed by this and has asked today if I could buy her tampons for her next period. I remember asking my mum at around 13-14 about using tampons and she wouldn't let me until I was about 15 after much begging!

So I suppose my question is, how old was your DD when tampons were used for the first time?

I'm very on the fence about them for her although I use them myself as she needs a lot of prompting to regularly change a pad and I worry that she would just leave the tampon in place and make herself ill (she also has a habit of lying so she doesn't have to do what you tell her needs doing... I nag apparently )

I was in year 9 or 10 and I wished I had started to use them sooner. Someone I know started using them the second day of their first period. Pads are so uncomfortable.

My daughter is 13 and has been using them for about 6 months now.

She used them from her first period. I don't understand why anyone would not let their daughter to be honest. It's her period and vagina and she should be allowed to choose whatever sanitary protection best suits her.

She won't be able to not do it regularly though now her period is heavier.

Because op has said she doesn't change her pad enough so she's obviously concerned about TSS.

Have you tried period underwear for her? Would you be more comfortable giving her a mooncup?

My mother wouldn't buy me tampons. Nothing to do with my age but all to do with thinking it would mean I wasn't a virgin (wtf).

I don't have a DD only a DSD so I can't answer from that perspective but given that you had to beg your Mum, how did that make you feel? If pretty crappy do you really want to your DD to be in that situation ? What about a mooncup and period pants or pads as a back up to prevent leakages? No risk of TSS with a mooncup, just of overflows but if she uses a pad the first few times she should be good.

I made them available to dd from her first period (13), but she doesn't like them so doesn't use them (now 15).

I gave both dds a selection pack (Boots were doing them as a 'thing' at the time) containing lots of different brands of pads and tampons, also cleaning wipes. This was a few years ago before disposable wipes became anathema. It also had a booklet of matter-of-fact sensible advice about periods and the practicalities of dealing with them. And a neat little bag to shove in school bag for emergency use, containing everything a girl might need if she was caught out.

Maybe make up a similar bag for her?

Get the poor girl a selection of tampons! And a talk about TSS, then have her set a daily reminder alarm somewhere to change it.

I only tried them aged 30 something after my teen asked for them. (I use a menstrual cup, daughter not keen)
I think tampons are far more discreet and comfortable than disposable pads. I’d imagine avoiding staying at the lower end of the absorbency scale would ensure she changes regularly.

I’d also get her some pants with a waterproof layer for extra protection.

Thanks for the replies 

@PoesyCherish it was actually thinking of how I felt that prompted me to think over it more tbh

@AlpacaLypse that's a great idea! I am going to talk it through with her and she can maybe help put something together before she has her next period. She has got a little pouch with pads in that I gave her but something more comprehensive might be a good start.

I suppose it's hard to accept the loss of the "little girl" as in my head as a teen I saw tampons as a "woman" thing so I was a grown up using them iyswim!