Why Can't I Just Start Shaving?

Dear Ayla,

I’m twelve years old and really, really want to start shaving my legs. I have the hairiest legs in my gym class (boys included) and get teased all the time. Other girls I know are shaving already but my mom just tells me I’m too young when I bring up the subject. I want to follow her rules but a friend said I can shave at her house if I want. But then I’d have to hide it from my mom, which wouldn’t be easy…and I don’t want to be grounded forever either.

Please help me convince her that I’m ready to start growing up already. I just can’t stand the way it looks anymore and I’m really starting to dread gym class.

Thanks,

Not Too Young to Shave

Dear Not Too Young,

Puberty is a really difficult time for girls (or so I’m told. My puppy puberty years were rough on my mom.) Kids sometimes say especially hateful things to each other but don’t let it get to you. My mom said she has a few experiences when she was younger where she was made fun of or made fun of someone else and she has never forgotten them. Words really can hurt you even when you try to block them out. If your mom can put herself in your shoes and remember just how hard being a kid is from time to time, maybe she will realize that forcing you to not start shaving just isn’t a good idea.

Obviously it’s important that you listen to your mom and follow her rules, even if you don’t understand why she’s made them. She may even have a medical reason for keeping you from shaving or something else.  She may also be concerned that you’re not ready to use a razor because you can very easily cut yourself around the ankles and knees – and it’s a pain like no other! But if the latter is the  only problem, maybe you can find an alternative together with her like waxing or using hair removal creams. And with some advice and help learning how to shave from your mom and other sources, you should be able to minimize cuts. I'd also recommend using quality shaving products like those in the Venereous Shaving line which will not dry out skin or leave you with razor burn. You want your first experience to be a good one, after all...not starting you on a journey full of discomfort and unhappiness!

All the best and I hope you get to start shaving soon!