I have a 7-year old, first grade girl. Absolutely beautiful, lots of friends. An issue that comes up every few months (warm days), is the subject of her hairy legs and arms. Some of the kids in her class have made fun of her. She came home yesterday with great, big crocodile tears saying she never wants to wear shorts, capris, or skirts again and that she wants to be home schooled. Our family (and friends) have never done or said anything that would lead her to believe she was anything but beautiful. She has great self esteem, confidence and has no problem being the center of attention. She evens jumps up on stage and belts out songs. So, my question is: When is the right age to start shaving (I think 6th grade, but that may be to early), Any suggestions on helping her get past this (I'm going to talk to the school council about verbal bullying), and any suggestions on making the hair less noticeable, without pain? Thanks in advance!!!!!!
I also grew hair very young. The best thing to do is teach her to shave. I would suggest an electric razor. That will give a less chance of her cutting herself.
Wow I wouldn't have thought 7 year olds, would even notice let alone pick on someone for that.
Changing her "looks" because of some mean comments, would be sending her a really wrong message.
But it's hard to be picked on and I'm sure it's got to be hard for her. Maybe talking to her teacher about and see is she can keep an eye out for the teasing and trying to put a stop to it.
I think right time to shave legs, really depends on the girl.
I think around 6th and 7th grade would be okay.
Hi K.!
Recently we too went through the hairy leg syndrome. My girls are 11 and twins that are 9. I decided to not make a big deal about it, but told them that when they did want to shave, I wanted to show them how. They let me show them with shaving cream and lots of giggles. Now that it's OK with Mom for them to shave if needed, it has become less of an issue. They even forget about it most of the time.
It's more of a "I'm growing up and want more control in my life" thing than an actual hairy leg thing.
Besides....in my own thoughts, what does it hurt if they shave now or wait until they are 13? Self Esteem is so important and the more they build at a younger age, the more they will have as they mature and beome teenagers.
Hopefully, my recent experience helps you with yours. If not, remember, it's just my opinion!
Stacey
Mother of 3 pre-teens
Yes kids are really cruel to others and it is just not fair to the person on the receiving end. You don't say if she is fair or dark so my guess is someone in your family has a bit of heredity that makes her hair darker than others. I guess the first thing is to ask her doctor what they suggest and then ask them if it would be ok to try an electric razor and after follow up with a very good skin lotion as we all know it is very drying to shave and she will want to do this often. I think the electric (portable-not plugged in when in use) should be safer then a razor blade. It could be a bonding time for you and her and then she does not have tomess iwht the electircity at all.
Wow K.,
We have someting in commom however while my daughter was visiting her grandmother once when she was 5 yrs. She decided to shave all by herself! She cut herself a little and freaked out! She was fine but we had a long talk about shaving and my daughter expressed to me that while no one was teasing her she just didnt like the hair on her legs and she said that I do it so she wanted to do it as well. I explained to her that she could hurt herself badly if she did not know the right way to shave. I also told her that when she was a little older that she could start shaving and that I would teach her the right way so she would not hurt herself! I told her that everyone changes at different times and not everyone will always look like her and vice versa. She seemed ok with it. Now shes 8 and still has hairy legs but she is more interested in "hanging out with friens" than her legs. My advice just.... talk to her like she is a little adult and help her understand that there is nothing wrong with her but try to hold off on shaving till she is a little older! Or try shaveless methods like Veet. Good Luck
I have two daughers 15 and 10. I let both of my daughters begin shaving in 5th grade, with my guidance. I began by actually doing it for them the first few times until they were comfortable on their own. We did try the Nair and Veet, but it didn't work so well. I'm not sure if it was because of their age and their skin still being somewhat sensitive, but it gave both of my girls a rash. If you do try either of those products be sure to try a small "out of site" area first to be sure. Just a heads up, if she is now worried about her leg hair next comes the arm pits and eye brows! As far as arm pits, same procedure as legs and eye brows, it's not that expensive call your hair dresser. I hope this helps you, Good Luck!!
I let mine start shaving when they where ready..which was about 4th grade for my younger daughter...and 6th for the older. 7 seems young...and young to have that type of hair that is noticable. I would investigate the "comments" more. Make the teacher aware...as a teacher sometimes we miss "comments" that to us don't sound bad or hurtful until a kid or parent tunes us in. If she is that hairy at 7....I would wonder about hormonal issues????
Barb
Perhaps you can show her how to shave. Personally, I think 7 is waaaay to young!!! She should be out there playing, not worring about that stuff yet. If it is that bad, listen to what really is the problem.
My now 10 yr old went through a similar situation. No one teased her, but she became very self conscious. We started using Veet and sometimes Nair, about 2 years ago.It is mainly just in the warmer months. These products always were a little burning to me. She does fine with them and does not complain. I dont think there is ever a "golden" age to begin things...once again each person is different.
