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Preteens

Parenting a preteen can be a minefield. Find support here.

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Original poster

Preparing for puberty 11 year old girl

20 replies

Stokey · 06/03/2021 10:27

Hi, just after some tips on how to prepare for puberty. My 11 year old had just stared developing buds so have just ordered some cropped bra tops for her. What else should I get in place? Is it too early to start thinking about period pants or similar?
Also any recommendations for a first deodorant? Preferably not too sticky. She's not smelly but it's starting to get a bit sweatier.

Thanks!

OP posts:

BunnyRuddington · 06/03/2021 20:33

I got this period starter kit for DD and got her to start carrying pads in her school bag. She was a bit reluctant at first but I suggested that her friends might need the odd pad and she could help out.

DD really likes the Modibodi teen pants, I bought her a couple of pairs to start with and have bought her more now I know she likes them.

There's a good selection of books that she might like here on A Mighty Girl.

I think the main thing that helped is knowing that I'm always here to talk to and it's all perfectly natural. On her last AF she even went shopping for pads and chocolate with her DF.

toomanycremeeggs · 06/03/2021 22:53

I've got the pink sure roll on for my dd

She tried a spray one and quickly returned to the roll on

Sounds like we are in a similar spot Op

Original poster

Stokey · 07/03/2021 08:21

Thanks both, period pants sounds like a good idea.

The starter pack looks good too, but I'm not sure about them using tampons until they're a bit older? I just can't remember for the life of me when I started using them.

OP posts:

BunnyRuddington · 07/03/2021 08:28

The starter pack looks good too, but I'm not sure about them using tampons until they're a bit older? I just can't remember for the life of me when I started using them

I can remember my DM saying something similar but I used them from the off and my DD uses them too. We both have heavy periods so fir a couple of days and nights the period pants aren't enough.

Forgot to answer your question about deodorant, DD has tried a few roll-ons but, how shall I put this delicately, she sweats l lot so we've gone with Mitchum which has sorted out the issue

user1468105798 · 07/03/2021 08:50

I agree with Mitchum as the best deodorant for a sweaty female. All three of my girls started their periods at 9 years but only one of them gets particularly sweaty and smelly around her monthly time. She is 14 now and has been using Mitchum rill on and deodorant for seversl years. Savers are the best priced if you have one locally.

CorianderBee · 07/03/2021 12:26

I started my period at 10 and was using tampons by 12 so not everyone has issue with them.

Maybe get some pads in and when she starts discuss period pants/options etc.

Christmasfairy2020 · 07/03/2021 20:28

Shes a late developer. My dd who was 11 in jan uses same deodorant as me. One from aldi spray. Got her a lady shaver. She has modi pants in draw if needed and loads of pads in cupboard not started periods yet. And padded crop tops from ladies Isle in primary 3 for 10 pounds. I also bought her a puberty book on amazon xx

Bringonspring · 07/03/2021 20:31

That’s great @BunnyRuddington I really hope my DD is the same, it almost felt a taboo in my family

NerrSnerr · 07/03/2021 20:31

@Christmasfairy2020 starting puberty at 11 is not a late developing at all.

OP let her choose if she wants to use tampons. Some people prefer them and she may do too.

TomHardyAndMe · 07/03/2021 20:33

@Christmasfairy2020

Padded tops? At 11?

bluebluezoo · 07/03/2021 20:51

If she’s 11 presumable she’s pretty clued up so all you need to do is stock up on every type of sanitary protection?

By 11 mine had done all the talking and learning, mainly through school, and have always had “body books” to read.

Deodorant they started off with the impulse/so! style spray it everywhere smelly stuff, so graduating to proper anti perspirant wasn’t big deal, i just got extra on the grocery shop and left it in the bathroom or stuck it in a christmas stocking.

Mine do a lot of sport so started on crop tops to train in as they got more fashion aware. Neither like normal bras, they collect fashionable sports bras like others do shoes.

I hated the big deal my mum made about it all so I have gone for this approach as it’s been a more normal transition rather than “first bra” type scenario. They’ve also had the opportunity to try different styles and products along the way and find what they like.

As far as tampons are concerned, if they’re having periods they are old enough to use tampons. I never get this weirdness about “letting” young girls use them.

Vinorosso74 · 07/03/2021 21:24

11 year olds are all at different stages of puberty.
My DD is also 11 and I bought some Lillets teen sanitary towels for her a while back. I have been looking into the Modibodi pants. She was wearing crop tops for a year or so and started wearing bras last year (she suddenly seemed to grow boobs during lockdown 1 and trying to get the right size was a nightmare). She isn't sweaty/smelly but uses the Bionsen mineral roll on deodorant. She can move to antiperspirant as and when needed!
I think what is hard is when she was in Y5 they would have gone through all the puberty/period stuff in school but Covid put a stop to that so they never had the chance for that discussion in school. Obviously, I have spoken to her and she has a book but I think the school stuff would have been beneficial to my DD.

Original poster

Stokey · 07/03/2021 21:28

I guess I just thought it may be more difficult initially to use tampons. I haven't used applicator ones for years as single use plastic, but I guess they're what I used as a teenager. But I do remember moving from chunky pads to tampons being a great relief so yes, may just be best to start there.

She does know what's coming but feels a bit awkward about it all. I don't think any of her close friends have started yet so they haven't really talked about it much, I don't think.

OP posts:

Original poster

Stokey · 07/03/2021 21:31

@Vinorosso74 yes same with mine about missing the bit in school. I'm hoping they may cover it in year 6, particularly given they don't need to worry about SAT prep now. I think doing it with her friends would make it easier to talk to them about it.

OP posts:

Seasidemumma77 · 07/03/2021 21:45

For my daughter the hardest part of puberty was experiencing mood swings she couldn't control. I wish, in hindsight I'd spent more time preparing her for the emotional side of puberty. We got there in the end, and when she needed it we'd take ourselves off for hot chocolate on the beach or in a cafe, so we could talk through how she was feeling away from the rest of our household. Now in her 20's, she's said how reassuring it was to hear at that time that her mood swings were completely normal, and that as an adult I still burst into tears for no reason in run up to my periods.

SandAndFog · 07/03/2021 21:47

My daughter is only 9 but I started my period at 10 so I'm preparing now. She has some body hair and breasts developing.

I've bought a few of the American Girl books, they are very good. Especially the Care and Keeping of You.

A couple of years ago I changed to period pants and I'm completely converted. I use Modibodi so I am going to buy the starter kit. I've been holding off though in case I buy too early and she frowns out of them. They are pricy!

I bought the mineral deodorant but it wasn't strong enough for her so we've moved to a Sanex roll on one like I use.

The help on this thread have been good.

BunnyRuddington · 08/03/2021 07:34

I don't think any of her close friends have started yet so they haven't really talked about it much, I don't think. Some of them might have started since she last saw them and if not, some are very likely to start in the next year

Passthecake30 · 15/03/2021 22:19

My dd is in yr 6 and is one of the taller/more developed girls. I’ve got her a couple of books (care and keeping of you / usborne what’s happening to my body), and I’ve got a lillets starter pack and a pack of the day and night pads ready to go. I need to find the right window to give them to her, as she gets embarrassed very easily and has a nosey brother.

LawnFever · 15/03/2021 22:25

There was a recent CBBC Newsround special about starting periods and puberty that might be worth sharing with her

www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/56267456

icegarden · 15/03/2021 22:38

I bought my 11yr old DD a set of period pants - I'll get more expensive ones when she starts. She was cool about it and put them in a drawer ready just in case. I'd got her a couple of books a while back & she and her mates have discussed it at school.

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