June 29, 2016 I’M DEVELOPING TOO EARLY!!! Today’s letter comes from Kacey, who writes… Nikki, I really need your help!!! I am 11 years old, and I already need a bra (which always itches). Barely anyone else even wears a bra. I also have hair under my armpits and on my legs. I’m pretty sure my period is coming soon. Everybody always teases me. I just don’t know what to do!! It took lot of courage to send this letter, so please reply! Kacey’s Crazy Crisis Hi Kacey! I can understand how uncomfortable it might have been to send this email, but I’m really glad you did!! Because here’s the thing: we’ve all been there. Some girls feel self-conscious because we feel like we’re developing behind everyone else. Those girls might look at you and feel jealous, while you’re wishing you were still flat-chested. I doubt there’s anyone who’s like, Awesome! My body is changing and it’s super cool! Some parts of puberty are just a hassle. I mean, who wants to shave their pits and legs? It’s a TOTAL pain. (Though here’s a hint: You don’t actually have to. Some people don’t. There’s no medical reason to do it. It’s just that our society decided women should have smooth legs and pits. For like, no reason at all. ) And periods…yeah, they’re not awesome. I’m not going to lie. They can be inconvenient and they might make you feel crummy for a few days each month. But talk to your mom, or if you don’t live with your mom, talk to another adult woman you trust. She’ll have years of wisdom to hook you up with the things that help her feel better during her period. Because periods are another thing all women go through. (But also, your period usually starts around two years after your body starts to develop, so you might not need to worry about that just yet. I learned that in this helpful article about what happens when girls go through puberty, which you might want to check out: What a Girls Needs to Know About Growing Up. But look, while everything that’s happening to your body is normal, and everything you’re feeling about it is understandable, what’s NOT COOL is other kids teasing you about your body! That’s not only UNCOOL, it’s wrong. It’s actually harassment. Nobody wants to be a tattletale, but in this case, you need to speak up. Your learning experience is being harmed if you’re distracted by jerks and inappropriate commentary on YOUR body. So this is a situation that you need to discuss with an adult you trust at school. Your school probably has a harassment policy or an anti-bullying policy that’s meant to help you in situations like this. If the first person you talk to doesn’t take you seriously, talk to someone else. Because that’s the thing to remember – it’s YOUR body. Other people should NOT be expressing opinions about it. You’re already uncomfortable with the things that have to happen no matter what – like the changes in your body – but you don’t need other people making it worse with stupid, immature comments and actions. So, some of it you have to put up with (the actual physical changes) but some of it you ought to stand up AGAINST (other people’s input). And no matter what, through it all, remember that it’s YOUR body and it’s AWESOME, and always let your inner dork shine through!
Anonymous says July 20, 2016 at 9:12 pm It’s okay we all go through this stuff and don’t listen to what other people say be proud of you
Anonymous says July 20, 2016 at 8:53 pm Don’t worry I’m 11 and I stared my period a while ago I also have to shave and wear a bra but you’ll get used to it trust me!
coôl says July 20, 2016 at 7:03 pm When I was eight I got my training bra then now I’m 10 years old and I wear a real one and my boob are big already I do not know why my mom said Im growing fast
Queencorns says July 20, 2016 at 6:16 pm It’s ok to develop now cause it’s gonna happen anyway so be happy you are developing Queencorn
Crazy girl says July 20, 2016 at 5:08 am Don’t worry hon I’m 11 and I’m already worried sick about bra’s and other stuff But really there is no need to worry it’s not the end of the world(even know it may feel that way) Those teasers need to pick up there game because no one is ment to be left out!! And I bet they are teasing you to make them feel better on how THEY look What I’m trying to say is your amazing weather you are big or little,fat or skinny,growing to fast or to slow. All in conclusion just be yourself hon xxxx
Taylor Alison Swift says July 20, 2016 at 3:19 am I think that you are right, nikki! I’ve already gone through my period, and it’s not really nice when people laugh at you during that time!
Shelby else says July 19, 2016 at 11:56 pm It’s ok I’m 11 and I need a bra I know puberty is tough but it’s part of life
Cinnamon And Sugar says July 19, 2016 at 4:49 pm Going through puberty is always hard. I have been through it and I know. I am on my period and let me tell you it’s annoying at first. But let me promise you, you will eventually get used to it. Puberty was especially hard for me due to the fact i have super bad anxiety. don’t worry you will be fine.
Anonymous says July 19, 2016 at 7:21 am That’s okay because I was 9 when I started puberty and now I’m 10 and i already have my period so it’s normal and everyone goes through it so don’t worry 😉
Dork-a-Licious says July 18, 2016 at 7:16 pm Don’t worry about that many people develop early just like you I started in the 3rd grade, I’m going to the 7th grade and mine still aren’t as big..lol but don’t worry it’s just how the body works.
LiveLoveLaugh says July 18, 2016 at 7:01 pm Its ok im 11 I have to wear bras and i already have my period it may seem bad now but it will get better.
It will be alright Kacey says July 18, 2016 at 6:11 pm It okay Kacey I started to develop a bit even though I’m 10
Dorkalicious101 says July 18, 2016 at 1:59 pm I’m 11 and I go through the same things. I not teased by it though, because most girls in my school are already developing. (I am starting 7th grade) and developing earlier than some people may be annoying and I wish I was still flat chested and a cute little girl, not an 11 year old that looks 13. I mean, there’s nothing bad about it, but It would be cool to grow up slower.
Dork queen says July 18, 2016 at 1:46 pm Don’t worry. I started to develop in second grade. It’s part of life and it happens. So, just relax and keep it cool.
Nowooorrriiiieeess*song* says July 18, 2016 at 11:49 am It’s alright, it happens to EVERYONE! (But, DO bras itch? They leave a mark on my chest. :/ ) ANYWAY, back on topic. If people are teasing you, I say just brush it off. They just feel so bad about themselves they HAVE to make fun of someone else to feel better. Maybe they do it on accident! (Not likely). But keep your head up high, and then you’ll be a REAL woman! (If this text is weird, sorry, I’m NOT so good at communicating!)
Abbi Angel says July 18, 2016 at 2:51 am It’s ok everyone one goes through it and it all happens! I am 10 and I have to wear bras to pe and I am so embarrassed but I know that every girl goes through it