Tampons - too young??

[Dollygirl2008]

Just that really - my DD is 10 and is on her second period and I'm thinking over the Summer when she's on a three week holiday with her father abroad. I didn't start using tampons until I was about 15, but that was 30 odd years ago!

I suppose the question is, is there an age that's considered "too young" for tampons, and are there physical/health reasons why they shouldn't use them?

[Trills]

Have you thought about what you mean when you say you "don't see the need" to use them all the time?

The need is that she's having a period.

Why would tampons need a bigger "reason" than pads?

[Dollygirl2008]

Trills - I suppose I meant that if she doesn't want to use them all the time then that's absolutely fine - she may decide only to use them when needed - sport, swimming. Ultimately it's up to her once she knows the facts!!

[bellinisurge]

As long as her Dad can help her "drive" them - not stay in too long; access to loo for putting them in, taking them out and disposing of them, there's no problem. If he just assumes she inherently "knows " and will always make good decisions about managing them, then there's no problem.
If your dd is anything like my 11 year old (who, admittedly hasn't started yet), a bit of pre holiday practice would be a good idea. As well as establishing some ground rules that Dad is aware of.

[bellinisurge]

Then there's a problem not "then there's no problem ".

[Italiangreyhound]

Dollygirl2008 This article is very interesting.

www.verywellfamily.com/should-tween-girls-use-tampons-3288289

One thing it is worth remembering is not everyone reacts the same to periods.I was very emotional but had little pain, my sister turned into a very angry woman and my own daughter (who started her periods at 11) was physically sick sometimes during periods and was in great pain. She certainly would not have felt like swimming even if she had wanted to use tampons, which she didn't.

It might be your child doesn't feel like swimming when on her period so I think it is important not to assume it will all be fine (while also not assuming it won't!).

I know the risks associated with tampons are very small but I do think it is worth children understanding this. I had some periods which were so heavy I used a tampon and a pad, so I think being open to either is helpful but ultimately her choice.

[Dollygirl2008]

Thanks - that really is interesting and certainly something to refer to

Interestingly enough, the main thoughts of comments and advice is more about the wishes of the child, and their level of responsibility. I don't know why, but I think deep down I was concerned that there may be "physical" reasons why they shouldn't but that hasn't been mentioned at all - which is a slight relief. Thanks all!