When should tweens be able to try tampons???

[Jennifer13]

Her hymen might be broken already, especially if she does a fair bit of physical activity. If she's keen to try I would suggest going to a chemist and finding the absolute smallest ones and asking for some advice to pass on to you DD. Or better still, take her with you.

She might not be regular for a while though, so I wouldn't assume she'll get her period twice in the holidays. And it might not last for a whole week just yet.

[beckoes]

I started using them for my second period casue i couldnt stand using pads. i remember being so self concious when i was wereing a pad when i was younger. I thinki was 13. They make the SO skinny these days. My sister is 14 and she has tried them but wasnt very keen, she is happy to use a pad.

I think it depends on your DD, if she is asking to try them and seems ok with it then id find her some good ones and see how she goes. good luck.

[Pretty Butterfly]

Thank you so much ladies!!!!!!

Amy, I was told the same thing, you cant use them till your older, and I guess it stuck!

I have no problem as such about her hymen, just the pain factor if she happens to have a painful break, and it turns her off tampons early. Or the inserting/sexual thing, its more shes a bit clumsy, and Im not sure I could trust her to insert it properly, and have it not work/fall out or something!!! She is a gorgeous kid, but a bit on the dopier side!!

Were off shopping today, so ill ask her if she want to try.. I tried the ones with the insertion thing and I HATED them.. so if she wants some ill get some lube, and ill get the silky ones....

Ad just grabs me the cheapest ones... ...but ill get her some samll ones to start, from a good brand... I wasnt using them till after I had had sex, but I was quite young.. .... thankyou ladies, I thought I was a hip young happenin thing, but I guess not!!!

[Fleur]

Haven't read all the replies yet, but I got AF at 11 & started using tampons on my second or third period... around 12. We were going on school camp at the beach & I got it the night before Mum was kind enough to demonstrate for me I hate pads & never looked back. If she's active etc they really do make life easier, especially during summer. I never thought they affected the hymen at all?
DD started using them around the same age, but she still doesn't mind using pads, I think she prefers them to tampons.

ETA - just read a few more posts Good luck today! FWIW I have no idea when my hymen broke, she might not ever feel it? Great advice from everyone else , the only thing I will add is mum told me to start out with one leg up on the toilet seat (standing) as it seemed to make it a bit easier then sitting? ITMS.

[angelaartsstudent]

My education about my period started and ended with a pad being thrown at me on the day it started.

No tampons were allowed. (Yes, I think this was a bit harsh)

Those 'U' brand ones are really slim and small...maybe give them a go?

Re Hymen - I have NO idea when mine broke as I didn't feel it, but was also very sporty and a dancer. Pretty sure it was already gone when I lost my virginity becuase there was no pain or blood involved.

At 11/12 I was terrified of using a tampon - but this was probably a result of poor education, as I said. I reckon give them to her....if she doesn't like them, she won't use them!