Girls only...

[minkydog]

Warning to errant males: this is icky. It's about "lady things". You won't like it.
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Okay, ladies, here's the deal: DD13 had her second period. Her first one was 2yrs ago. I knew she was acting all weird this week, but I just figured out why I told her to mark her calendar so she'd know when the next period would be due--she said,"You mean this is gonna happen every MONTH?"

Anyway, she mentioned that she was very uncomfortable wearing her pad during her dance class and that she was worried it might show through her black pants.(Remember wearing only black pants at "that time"?) Since summer is coming I asked her if she would like to try tampons. She would. My own mother would have a stroke if she knew I was promoting tampon use in my 13yo, but I think it will give DD more confidence and more freedom.
The thing is, I have no idea where to find little tampons. I'm at that certain age when everything is super-sized(TMI, sorry ) So, what do I do?

Oh yes, I plan to talk to her about the health care & hygiene issues(I'm a nurse.)

 

[mickeyboat]

I have seen "junior sized" tampons. Maybe try those.

My mom made me wear Stayfree Maxi pads when I was younger. I was horrified. They were so uncomfortable and I was very self conscious that people could see them. I think it's great that you are teaching her that tampons are a good and safe alternative. It will definitely give her a lot more confidence, and hopefully that time of the month won't be such a huge ordeal to her in the future.

Denae

 

[Megster]

I know Tampax makes smaller tampons. I believe they are/were called "junior" or "teen" something like that. I usually get mine at Target.

 

[Christine]

I don't remember where, probably Target or CVS, I found the smallest "junior" tampons. It wasn't easy. It's also hard to find small pads without wings (that are not pantyliners).

I've tried to talk my DD into using tampons (she started at 12 1/2) and now at 14, she still refuses to use them. Oh, well.

 

[pearlieq]

I still prefer the junior sized ones as well.

They have them in with all of the other tampons, etc. at WalMart, Target, Meijer, etc.

If you can't find them in their own box, you can usually find them in those combo packs that have super, regular, and juniors. You and DD could share a box. Would that be considered bonding?

 

[minkydog]

I still prefer the junior sized ones as well.

They have them in with all of the other tampons, etc. at WalMart, Target, Meijer, etc.

If you can't find them in their own box, you can usually find them in those combo packs that have super, regular, and juniors. You and DD could share a box. Would that be considered bonding?

She's embarrassed enough, I think.

 

[binny]

they do make the junior ones and Stayfree makes a smaller thin maxi pad that may help as well.

Good luck Im dreading these days.

 

[GoofieRuthie]

My DD13 just started using tampons very recently. She's had her period since she was 10. UGH! She had tried to use one a couple of other times, but they just wouldn't fit. ( I must admit that it made me quite proud ) Finally, we found some junior ones and she was able to use them. I had thought at one time they made some especially for teens, but I have yet to find them. DD prefers the silk applicators. They are easier to apply.

I wish I could share the conversation we had when she first expressed an interest in trying tampons. (might be too graphic for some readers on a DIS board) Her questions were so cute.

 

[stm61]

if you can't find the junior sizes try O.B. brand. They come in various sizes and the smallest, I think they call them light days, might work for a teen.

 

[FigmentKid]

My mother took me to the store the first time I had to buy pads, and though I was COMPELTELY embarrased to be seen in that isle with her at CVS looking back I am really glad she did it. She showed me the different types of products, different brands... the difference between scented, unscented, different sizes, applicator vs. non-applicator, wings vs. no wings etc. Yes, hideously embarrasing to an 11 year old but honestly that isle was so overwhelming (still is to be honest) that I would have been lost trying to figure out what I wanted on my own. I also think it's important for her to have input and don't just come home with a pack and hand it to her because it's a very personal thing, obviously.

Oh, my other tip is to get her a small tube of KY Jelly, I know, sounds odd to give to a kid but it was SUCH a help the first time I tried using tampons! You don't have to tell her what it's really used for! My mother told me that the product was made for people using tampons for the first time, haha, I don't think I realized this little white lie until about 5 years later!

 

[DVCLiz]

My DD13 just started using tampons very recently. She's had her period since she was 10. UGH! She had tried to use one a couple of other times, but they just wouldn't fit. ( I must admit that it made me quite proud.)

GoofieRuthie, what was it that made you proud - that she finally used one or that it wouldn't fit before? Why would the fit of a tampon be something to be proud of????

OP, the brand we use is Playtex SlimFit. They are smaller than a Regular Playtex tampon, and have a plastic applicator with a blunt tip. DD used them the second day of her first period and has never used pads. She moved up to the Regular and Super sizes as she matured, but the SlimFits were the first and they worked nicely.

 

[Christine]

if you can't find the junior sizes try O.B. brand. They come in various sizes and the smallest, I think they call them light days, might work for a teen.

I use the O.B. brand and love them; however, I find that most teens (and even some grown women) seem to freak out over the "no applicator" thing. I don't quite get it but I've seen a lot of faces when I mention "O.B. tampons."

 

[nsyncraider17]

I second the vote for Playtex Slimfits, I've always used them.

 

[mrsltg]

Big tip - at this age a lot of girls have fluctuations in flow, and they don't yet know their patterns. When using a tampon, advise her to use a pantyliner just in case. Oh, what an embarrassing moment in my life.....

 

[MUFFYCAT]

My 9th grade DD has been using tampons in the summers for 2 years now.
I felt so bad for my younger DD she got her period Jan 2005 (fifth grade)
Our first day of vacation last July, she got it.
I hestitated but let her use the tampons when she went in the pool.
The minute she came out, she'd go and change.

 

[hercamore]

slimfits are a good product.


herc.

 

[minkydog]

Big tip - at this age a lot of girls have fluctuations in flow, and they don't yet know their patterns. When using a tampon, advise her to use a pantyliner just in case. Oh, what an embarrassing moment in my life.....

Hmm, good point. Note to self: buy an assortment.

 

[Hannathy]

My DD started using OB's regular since the first day of her first period at 13. I hate any kinds of pads and swore I would never do that to any child of mine. I jusy handed her the box told her to read the instructions on her own, experiment(try) and if she had any questions problems etc let me know. She's had no problems since. She is in too many sports and activities to use anything else. I am pretty sure all the girls in her class and group of friends according to her, all use tampons at 14.

 

[Cindyluwho]

She had tried to use one a couple of other times, but they just wouldn't fit. ( I must admit that it made me quite proud ) .

I must be misunderstanding this, but your comment makes me cringe. What exactly are you trying to say?

 

[Brianne]

LALALALA! I can't hear you!

I'm not ready for the next step---it's bad enough my DD shaves already!

But yes, there are junior sizes, as others have already said. I'll probably be recommending pantyliners to my DDs as well.

My mother telling me how to use a tampon is still one of my most embarrassing life moments though.