My DD is 8 1/2. She looks like she is 12 because of her height. She is 60" (YES, 5 feet tall.) Other than her height, she shows no outward signs of looking older than 8 1/2, except that she is growing underarm hair. It is only under one arm (is that something I should be worried about??)

I bought the American Girl book about taking care of your body and we started reading it together. When we got to the underarm hair section we talked about her underarm hair. The book says something to the effect of "some girls aren't bothered by it being there, other girls want it gone." My DD says that she wants it gone.

Here's my question: How do I get it gone?? I REALLY don't want to start shaving her with a razor at this early age but I am not sure what my options are. Waxing sounds too painful for that tender skin and I'm not sure if that VEET stuff even works. Can anyone suggest anything?

Secretly, I am heartbroken that she is showing signs of puberty at her age. I looked like a boy until I was 14 and didn't get my period until I was 16, going on 17. I so hoped that she would follow me in regards to puberty but it seems that she is taking after my MIL. We have a great relationship so we have been able to talk about her changing in a very positive, upbeat way. She isn't bothered by it in the least, yet....!! Thank goodness! Any advice from any BTDT Moms??

By Annie2 on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 09:05 pm:

Let her shave her pits. If she has hair then she is ready to do it. Buy her her own woman's razor with a head the pivots. She'll be fine.

By Happynerdmom on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 09:18 pm:

Yes, the safety razors are safe and easy to use. Veet and Nair does work, too, but my dd has sensitive skin, and it gave her a rash. Also my dd showed early signs of puberty with hair, but she didn't start her period until she was 13. So, just because she's showing signs now, doesn't necessarily mean she'll get her period young. Once the breast buds come, that's when to watch it!

By Luvn29 on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 09:19 pm:

I agree, let her shave. That has to be the best route. I definitely wouldn't do waxing, and I think I would think twice about using any chemicals on her young skin.

Buy her a nice razor that will be easy on her skin, and let her do it.

By Karen~admin on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 09:32 pm:

Ditto, let her shave.

By Yjja123 on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 10:07 pm:

I nair my daughters. It works great and stays gone for quite a while.

By Heaventree on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 10:18 pm:

I say let her shave, I have super sensitive skin and things like Nair burn my skin. Don't wax it hurts and she can end up with ingrown hairs. There is a really nice razor out these days, it's an all in one, no need for shaving cream. I think it's called Intution.

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 11:06 pm:

Let her shave, if she's embarrassed. Sarah started shaving, when she was around 11 and Emily, around 12. I helped them in the very beginning. They are independent now. We buy the Barbasol shaving cream. The "lady" ones are pretty, but the Barbasol is cheaper.

By Mrsheidi on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 11:16 pm:

Let her use the Intuition razor. I've found those to be the best since you don't need shaving cream. I started shaving my legs at 11 and underarms at 12.

By Dawnk777 on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 07:39 am:

Sarah likes her Venus. I suppose I would to, but never think to buy one, when I'm at the store.

By Crystal915 on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 07:42 am:

Ditto, let her! Underarm hair can lead to BO, so besides being embarassing to see, it would be embarassing if she had BO. I use disposable 3blade razors, although I hear really good things about the Venus Vibrance (the one with the battery). Here's a mail in rebate for a free one.
Vibrance rebate

By Angellew on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 08:58 am:

If you are uncomfortable with the thought of handing your 8 year old a razor, why not let her use an electric razor for a while, until she gets more comfortable. Her hair is so fine, the electric would take it off with no problem. Just use power before shaving!

By Livvy on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 09:08 am:

Thanks everyone!! We are off to the store today and I figure I'll explain each option to her in the aisle and let her decide which she is more comfortable with. I hate admitting that she is growing up on me!!!

By Latonya on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 12:32 pm:

You want to hear something funny and a little weird. My DD is 14 and does not grow hair under her arms. She does everywhere else but not under her arms. I wish I could do that.