[Maxwell123]

What is the right age for my twelve-year old daughter to begin shaving her legs?
She is becoming somewhat self-conscious about the hair on her legs - she has not started her period yet. My wife wants her to wait until she is 15. I think she should be able to start now?

[LeanyBean]

I was 11 when I started shaving my legs and my mother was ok with it. I don't see anything wrong with shaving or choosing not to shave. IMO, if a girl decides to shave her age should at least be in the double digits and of course have a reason to shave.

What does your daughter wish to do? Can she talk to the woman of the house ~(Not to be rude or anything but is your wife your daughter's mother?)~ openly about the topic? Having a quiet mom-dad-daughter conversation about how everyone feels could really help you all end up on the same page with everyone's feelings.

[QueenAngie]

Welcome to the board!

Yes, this is one of those mother-daughter quiet discussions, IMO.

If your daughter is concerned about the hair on her legs, and she is
double digits as stated by LeanyBean, yes, it is reasonable for her
to shave her arm pits and her legs.

IMO, 15 is waiting too long with PE classes and other physical activities.

What do the rest of our friends think?

[purelegance]

my mom had me start shaving when i was 11 or so. "hair on your legs is not lady like." 15 seems kind of late to me, that would be sophmore year of high school. of course, i cheered, so i had to wear skirts & definitely wouldn't want everyone laughing at my hairy legs.

[wanna be a young mother]

I started in 6th or 7th grade. I would say I was at least 11 or 12 years old. I would say once they over 10 and they HAVE something to shave then its fine. Could your wife be in denial?? I know that sounds weird but no one wants to see their little girl grow up. Maybe if your daughter sits down and explains how she feels your wife would be ok with it.

[twinzplus3]

I would've been MORTIFIED and then some if my parents would've made me wait until I was 15!!!! Like Angie sort of implied, it may well make her the object of teasing to be the only girl in gym class who doesn't shave. Ditto to what the other ladies said.

[LovingJesusinAZ]

The shaving issue was actually a HUGE issue in my house growing up. My mom's rule was 13, but I started shaving at about 12 because, eventhough I'm a blonde, I was being teased mercilessly at school. I only wore pants to school, even when it was near 100 because it had gotten so bad.
That's just my experience.

[MommaColleen]

My poor DD (who is now 11) has had extremely hairy legs for several years now. It is still fairly light and until it bothers her (or she is teased) I'm not going to push the issue. However, if she comes to me tomorrow and wants to start shaving, I will certainly show her how.

HTH and GL!

[KR258]

My mother had me shaving at 10 my sister who was 11 at the time also started at the same time. I think it is also something that your daughter needs to bring up with her mother and they both need to listen to eachother about it. Your wife probably just isn't ready for her baby to grow up but not letting her shave won't stop her from shaving. The girls I knew who had to wait were the ones who were "secretly" using their mothers razor in the bathroom (which is unsanitary) without asking, as if the mother wouldn't notice that there was no hair on her legs! It is much better if they communicate their feelings

[lacih8607]

I was 13 when I started shaving...but I have veryyyy light blonde hair. IMO 15 is way too old to have to wait till she starts shaving. Make sure she realizes though the responsibility that comes with shaving, it's not something you can just do once a month and forget about it. Hopefully you find something that works for you!