What should I do if my 11yr shaved her legs?

Question

I really don't know what to say to her about what she did . I know that it is not the end of the world.

Answer 1

it's not the end of the world...there are a few reasons she could have done it. My niece is 11 and her name is aryanna... we've given her the nickname ary and at school the kids think its funny to call her "hairy ary." she came home and told her mom she wanted to start shaving... now while a nickname may not be the cause of this, many girls are shaving younger and younger... and one reason is because the other girls are growing up sooner and they are eager to do some growing up too... the fact of the matter is she just wanted to do something to make her feel "more grown-up." she is growing up whether or not you want to realize it... sooner or later she'll shave... don't punish her but explain to her that if she wants to shave you and her can go to the store and pick out a razor and you can go to McDonalds and get a milkshake to celebrate her growing up... then go home and get in your bathing suits and show her how to do it being careful... my mom did it with me and i'll never forget the bonding time... find joy in each milestone however big it is... and this can be a perfect oppurtunity to bond with your daughter

Answer 2

Since the shaving is a done deal, how you proceed is really whether you want to let her continue or not, if not then you know how to handle that (consequences). But if it's sorta okay then this could be a good opportunity to sit down and bond further with her over the rituals of young girls growing up (make-up, boys etc). Now she may have been under some peer pressure at school if other girls her age are shaving also. So a good mother/daughter talk over this issue is a good way for you to find out more about the overall picture of where your daughter is at in terms of development. (also find out what else she's possibly planning without your permission).

Answer 3

You can do many different things depending on your own situation and comfort level, such as

1. Go shopping with her for her own razor & shaving cream
2. Shave your legs together and show her how to do it safely
3. Use this as an opportunity to talk about other things she might be doing as she's growing up.

If you've already acknowledged that "it's not the end of the world" then i assume you feel that she's doing it too early. Obviously she's taken the initiative and feels that she needs to shave her legs. Talk to her about it. Many many kids have tons of questions but don't know who to ask. If you let her know that you have the answers, I'm sure she'll talk to you about other things she's feeling and wanting to do.

Answer 4

I'm not a mom, but i have a sister who's 11 and I'm 22. She has been dying to shave her legs for a few years not because they were pretty harry and people started commenting on it. I don't think she told my mom she was embarassed at school, but I could tell because she would always tell me how much she hated her harry legs. My mom finally let her and it turned out not to be such a big deal. Maybe your daughter felt embarassed too and didn't want to tell you, because being a daughter myself I know there were times I didn't tell my mom when I felt that way.

Answer 5

my daughter will be 12 at the end of the month and she has been shaving since before the summer. I believe if a girl is that self conscience about the hair its time for it to come off. Take her shopping to get her own supplies.

Answer 6

leave her alone, i have a daughter now 17 that did the same thing, this is part of growing up, i know your thinking growing up! she is only 11, but this is the time young girls are learning more about their bodies. so, leave her go, and be thankful that this is all she is doing. if you really feel that you need to say something to her, maybe you can sit down with her and tell her how to do it so she don't cut her self. some girls at that age do have alot of hair on their legs and it can be embarrassing for them.

Answer 7

Don't worry about it, she must have wanted to get rid of the hair and feel more grown up. I would suggest you show her the proper way to shave so she doesn't cut herself, She will know you trust her and maybe come to you next time she wants to do something grown up.
Sounds like its time to start some open conversations with your daughter. She really will value your opinion and attention.

Answer 8

I don't remember how old I was when I first shaved my legs. My grandmother saw me and asked if mom knew. I didn't think I needed my mom's permission. I was being teased horribly at school by other girls. Teach her safety, hygiene, etc. She is growing up.

Answer 9

The question is to you... how bad was her legs? I f her legs were bad and really noticeable then you dont want kids at school making fun of her. This happened to me. I know you dont want to see your daughter coming home crying everyday, you know how kids can be. Tell your daughter how you feel and be honest with her.

Answer 10

Don't get mad at her, she will turn away and now is not the time for her to do that. Talk to her about the correct way of doing it and what worked best for you and how to reach the hard spots. Use this as a bonding time for you and her. She needs that from you.