Answered at 12:51 AM October 13, 2009 by Aimee Giese

I guess I go with, this one doesn't seem worth it. It's not like she is asking for a tattoo, or something really permanent, kwim? And is it worth her being made fun of? My mom did not teach me to shave my underarms before a girl at school noticed it and laughed at me and I definitely remember it!

Answered at 1:01 AM October 9, 2009 by meredith winn

i can relate to this (i was the 11 year old daughter!) i asked my mom repeatedly to allow me to shave my legs. she insisted i was too young. so i went behind her back at a friends house and we sat on the edge of the tub and she helped me shave my legs. my mother was horrified (and most likely hurt) looking back now i wish that bond could have been shared between mother and daughter. if i had a daughter that was 11 and asking to shave, i'd make it into a rite of passage with her. (knowing she might just go ahead and do it on her own behind your back as i did) because i truly believe it is a rite of passage. taking those steps between child and teenager and woman. it's best done with a mother's guidance.

Answered at 1:39 AM October 7, 2009 by shelley hungerford

Dear Romi, I agree with you but also am a believer in Don't sweat the small stuff... I had to wait to get my ears pierced at sweet 16 I have just turned sweet 60... I'm ok with it. What ever you decide will be fine, trust me. ps: How about an electric razor, they come in groovy designs. Just a thought...

Answered at 5:46 PM October 6, 2009 by Kim

A friend of mine has a daughter who has lots of dark hair - she was the only one who didn't know that all of the girls were shaving their legs for 6th grade graduation and she was humiliated. If your daughter's asking to do it -there is a reason - it's the norm for her friends. I say yes, but make sure she knows how to keep a clean razor, and why, and how to deal with knicks (cause they happen).

Answered at 9:31 PM October 5, 2009 by kirsten

I had very hairy legs as an 11 year old and was teased mercilessly - I told my daughter that when she felt ready to take it on - and I mean "join-the- I'm-shaving-forever-club" I'd be ready to help her. At age 11 we started her first with an electric razor (a pretty purple one!) and that helped her get used to the motions...soon after she graduated to her own razor!

Answered at 9:08 PM October 5, 2009 by Tracey Clark

I struggled with this too but when I discovered Veet (like a modern day version of Nair) I thought it was a good compromise. It's easy to use and she's happy with the results so we're avoiding the razor for while anyway.

Answered at 6:23 PM October 3, 2009 by SU-Z-Q

Okay here my answer is a little unorthodox....Because my daughter is fair skinned and has black hair she is also 'hairy' thanks to the Asian side of our family! I am positive I will initiate the waxing or shaving in her case at 11 and if she asks for it sooner I will do it for her myself. Please don't get me wrong I am not promoting superficiality If it is something that she is uncomfortable with that it has to be addressed no matter what age it is. Shaving is not like coloring hair or getting a tattoo...it is personal hygiene and worth breaking with tradition. I say yes. I would do it for her the first few times though just to make sure she doesn't cut herself etc...