When do you think a girl is old enough to use tampons?!

You should let her when SHE asks.

I was 12 when I started my period. I started using tampons when I was probably about 14-15. For me, the reason was I didn't know that "area" well enough to know what to do. I didn't feel comfortable asking my mom for that much detail, so I bought a box of tampons and read the instructions. I was really nervous, and afraid that it would hurt. The first couple times I tried, it didn't work out. Then it finally did work a few months later, and I was shaking like a leaf from nerves and excitement. If you have a close relationship with your step-daughter, you could consider talking to her about it. You could buy her a box of tampons, and tell her that she can try them if she wants and if she's ready, and tell her she can ask you anything, and that there's instructions in the box. Tell her if she's nervous that she doesn't have to do it, but that you wanted to give her the option. It also depends on how well she knows the female anatomy, and if she's comfortable with giving tampons a try. If she's nervous, then she shouldn't do it yet. Good luck :)

personal experience

I started my period at 11 and my mother had no objection to my experimenting with tampons. Obviously, you want to explain to her the importance of changing the tampon regularly. She'd also benefit from some tips on insertion. At 12, she probably doesn't need a heavy duty tampon, so a package of light and regular unscented tampons (slim fit would be desirable) with a plastic applicator would be a good start, if she does decide that she'd like to try them.

At her age, I hated how they felt and opted not to use them for many years afterward, but I appreciate that my mother let me make the choice.

Your step-daughter can start using tampons as soon as she starts her menstrual cycle. I would start her off with the light or regular ones as they are much smaller. Tampax pearl is great I've been using them since I started 13 years ago. I love them because they have a plastic applicator that helps putting the tampon in as some tampons come in cardboard instead of the plastic. I just looked at www.tampaxpearl.com website and it is great. They tell you how you can go about talking with her about her menstrual cycle, which tampons would be best, and they even list that you can start using them right when your cycle starts as long as she is comfortable with the idea.

www.tampaxpearl.com

Many women have heard of toxic shock syndrome or TSS. If you're a regular user of tampons, then you've probably read the warnings that come in every package about TSS. Unfortunately, other than informing you that the use of tampons is associated with the risk of developing TSS, those warnings don't really tell you just what toxic shock syndrome is. So read on to learn the facts you need to know about this potentially lethal infection.

http://www.epigee.org/health/toxic.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxic_shock…

I started using tampons right away, probably my second period. I believe I got my period at 13. I could never stand pads they have always grossed me out but that's just my opinion. You should ask her what she wants to do. If she does not feel comfortable with the idea then she should stick with pads but if she would like to give tampons a try that is her decision. Make sure she knows how to use a tampon properly and the risks associated with them and then it should be up to her.

Good luck :)

umm well i got my period when i was 12 and started using them i think on my 3rd or 4th period.
I think you should let her wear them when SHE wants to... but she should get to know when her heavy and light days are. also...if she does decide to start using them...make sure they are the really small ones :)

been using them since i was 12 :D

no strict rule for using tampon
not advisable to use before 16yrs
if it necessiates(swimming) u can use it ,taking care during the proceedure.

Whenever she feels she's ready. There is medically no reason not to allow it if she's comfortable with it.

i would say about 13 and up. or if really needed... if you think she is too young then you should at least let her use them when she goes swimming or at the beach if she goes into the water.

I'd say she's still too young wait til she's at least 16