Hi, I’m really sorry you’re feeling embarrassed, that’s such a tough situation, especially at school. Please know this isn’t your fault, and what you’re experiencing is completely normal during puberty.

Sometimes parents find it a bit hard to adjust as their child starts growing up, and things like using deodorant or antiperspirant can feel like a “big step” to them. That doesn’t mean she’s being mean, it just might mean she needs a little help understanding how important this feels to you.

Your body is changing right now, and it’s completely normal to sweat more that’s just part of growing up. Wanting to feel fresh and confident, especially around friends, is absolutely valid. Try having a calm, gentle chat with your mum and explain how it’s making you feel at school. You could even mention that lots of your friends use products and how it helps them feel more confident.

Ask your mum if you can try a gentle, sensitive antiperspirant (these are made for younger skin). Let her know this is about feeling clean and confident, not just copying others.

It's also important at your age to keep up good hygiene, daily showers and clean school shirts really help.

💡 Just so you know: a deodorant only covers smell, but an antiperspirant actually helps reduce sweating, which is why it can make a big difference.

Why not read my blog below that covers all aspects of looking after your hygiene as you go through puberty.

Puberty & Intimate Hygiene: A Simple Guide for Girls

Hi, I promise you spots do not make you 'ugly' they are completely normal at your age.

Even if you haven’t started your period yet, your body is already going through early puberty changes, and hormones are the main cause of spots. These hormones make your skin produce more oil, and sometimes that oil can block your pores, which leads to spots and blackheads. It’s actually really common for this to start before your periods begin.

The good news is there are simple ways to help keep your skin happy:
✨ Wash your face gently twice a day
✨ Avoid picking spots (even though it’s tempting!)
✨ Use simple, gentle skincare (you don’t need anything harsh)
✨ Keep hair and hands away from your face as much as possible
✨ Be patient, your skin is adjusting

If you want some easy tips that are made just for your age group, have a look at my blog “Be Skincare Savvy”  it breaks everything down in a really simple, friendly way 💛

And just to remind you again…pretty much everyone your age is dealing with the same thing, even if it doesn’t always seem like it 😊

Hi, I’m so sorry that you’re feeling this unhappy right now, and I’m really glad you reached out, you don’t have to go through this on your own. After what you’ve been through, it’s really important that you speak to someone as soon as possible so you can get the support you deserve.

There is help out there, and it doesn’t automatically mean being hospitalised. The people around you, like your parents, teachers, or another trusted adult are there to care for you and support you, and they will want to help keep you safe and feeling better.

If talking to someone you know feels too difficult right now, you can also reach out confidentially to trained listeners who really understand how you’re feeling. You could contact:Right now, the most important thing is that you’re not alone with these feelings. Please try to reach out to someone today, even if it doesn’t feel easy:

• A parent, relative, or trusted adult
• A teacher or school support staff
• Or a confidential helpline (they won’t judge you)

In the UK, you can contact:

• Childline (under 19s): 0800 1111 or chat online
• Samaritans: 116 123
• Shout (text support): text SHOUT to 85258

You can just say exactly how you said it here “I’m not okay and I need to talk.” That’s enough.

You deserve to feel safe, heard, and supported and there are people who will listen without judgement. Please take that first small step and reach out to someone today 💛

Hi, what a great question. Now, it might feel like your pubic and underarm hair is growing really fast, but actually it isn’t!

It just looks that way, because hair in those areas is naturally thicker, darker, and more noticeable, so when it grows even a little, you’re much more aware of it.

If you shave, it can also seem like it’s growing back quicker or thicker, but that’s just because the hair has been cut bluntly at the skin’s surface, which makes regrowth feel stubbly.

Things to remember:

• Hair in these areas looks faster because it’s thicker and darker
• It doesn’t actually grow quicker than other body hair
• Shaving can make it feel stubbly, not thicker
• Puberty hormones increase overall hair growth
• Everyone’s growth pattern is slightly different

This is all totally normal, especially during puberty when your body is changing and new hair growth starts to happen. 💛

Hi 💛 yes, that soft light hair you’re noticing is completely normal, lots of people have it, it’s often called “peach fuzz,” and during puberty it can seem more noticeable because your hormones are changing. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong, and for most people it either settles down or just becomes something you stop noticing over time.

I know it can feel a bit embarrassing, especially if you think you’re the only one, but you really aren’t, bodies grow and change differently for everyone. If it ever really knocks your confidence there are gentle ways to manage it, but honestly, it’s such a normal part of growing up and nothing to be ashamed of at all 💛

Hi💛 firstly, try not to worry, you’re definitely not alone in this. Even a couple of years after your first period, it’s really common for cycles to become irregular again, especially during your early to mid‑teens. That’s because your body is still growing and developing, periods you see...aren’t the end of puberty, so hormones can still fluctuate quite a bit. Things like an 81‑day gap or your period being late by 10 days can happen at this stage, and while it feels worrying, it’s usually still within the range of normal.

The changes you’ve noticed with your skin are very likely linked to those same hormones too, so breakouts can happen even if you’ve never had them before. It can help to keep pads or tampons with you so you’re not caught out, and even wearing a pantyliner can give you a bit of peace of mind. That said, if your cycles stay very irregular for a long time, or periods are regularly very long or heavy, it’s always okay to check in with a doctor just for reassurance. But from your msg, it seems like your body is still figuring things out, and it will settle over time 💛

This is really is unpleasant and unfortunately very common, even though it doesn’t make it any easier to deal with 💛 Many girls and women get cramps in the days before their period starts because the muscles around the uterus begin to contract. It’s uncomfortable, but there are ways to ease it a bit. One helpful thing is gentle movement...I know it’s probably the last thing you feel like doing, but walking around, stretching, or even a little dance at home can actually relax those muscles and reduce the pain.

You can also try using a hot water bottle or heat pack, which can be really soothing, and make sure you’re keeping hydrated. The main thing is to be kind to yourself, rest when you need to, but don’t be afraid to move a little too. Over time, you’ll find what works best for your body 💛

Hi💖

First of all I’m genuinely so proud of you for wanting to look after yourself. Starting puberty can feel like a lot, but building a simple self-care routine early on is such a great step 🌸

And here’s the best part: you absolutely don’t need to spend loads of money to take care of yourself.

Let’s keep it simple, affordable, and effective, you don’t need fancy brands,  honestly, supermarket own brands can be just as good. It’s more about consistency than price.

Here’s a really easy starter routine:
🧴 Daily basics:

• Face wash (morning & night) A gentle one is perfect - Aldi’s Lacura range is a great affordable option (very similar to Simple).
• Antiperspirant - This is important! It helps control sweat (deodorant only covers smell, it doesn’t stop wetness).
• Body wash or shower gel - Try something not too heavily perfumed, especially for sensitive areas.
• Moisturiser - A light one for your face and a basic one for your body helps keep skin soft and healthy.

🌸 Extra little bits that help:

• Pant liners - not skincare but these really can help you feel fresh and manage natural discharge (which is totally normal, by the way!).
• Clean clothes & underwear daily - Sounds simple, but it makes a big difference to how you feel.
• Drink water + sleep well - again not “products”, but honestly two of the best self-care habits you can have 💧

During puberty, things like sweat, oily skin, and discharge increase  that’s completely normal, not “dirty” or something to feel embarrassed about. Your body is just growing and changing.

Trust me you don’t need a long, complicated routine. A few simple, affordable habits done every day will do so much more than expensive products you use once in a while. 💕

Hi, this can actually happen more often than people realise in warmer weather.

When it’s hotter, your body can change how your digestion works. You might drink more fluids, eat different foods (like more fruit or ice creams), and your body can move food through your system a bit quicker, all of which can lead to looser stools. Heat can also slightly affect your gut, making things move faster than usual.

As long as you feel otherwise well, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Try to stay hydrated, eat balanced meals, and see how your body responds. If it keeps happening a lot, becomes uncomfortable, or you notice anything unusual like pain or illness, it’s a good idea to mention it to a parent or the person who cares for you...just to be on the safe side 💛

Yes, it’s really normal 💛

Before your period, your body’s hormones change quite a lot, and that can affect your mood. You might feel sad, emotional, more sensitive, or even upset for no clear reason, and that’s called PMS (premenstrual syndrome). It can feel confusing, especially when you’re younger, but it’s just your body doing its thing.

Try to be extra kind to yourself during that time, get rest, talk to someone you trust if you feel low, and remind yourself that the feeling will pass. If the sadness ever feels really strong or doesn’t go away, it’s always okay to tell a parent or trusted adult so you can get some support 💗

Firstly, please don’t feel embarrassed 💛 this is actually really common, especially between siblings.

Puberty doesn’t follow a set order or exact timeline, so it’s totally normal for one person to develop certain features (like breast growth) earlier, even if other signs haven’t started yet. The fact that your sister is a similar height and has a similar chest size doesn’t mean anything is wrong or unusual, it just means her body is developing in its own way, just like yours is.

It might feel awkward because you’re comparing yourself, but try to remember that everyone goes through puberty at different speeds and in different ways, even in the same family. And even if she’s starting to change physically, she’s still younger than you emotionally and will probably look up to you more than you realise. Over time, things will all balance out, this stage just feels more noticeable right now 💗

Hi, it’s understandable to notice changes like this and feel a bit unsure 💛 but what you’re describing isn’t typically linked to your first period, stomach aches and nausea aren’t common signs in the lead-up. It does, however, sound a bit more like your body reacting to certain foods, especially since you’ve noticed it happening after bread or pasta. Food intolerances can develop at any age, even if you’ve never had an issue before.

A good next step would be to keep a simple food diary for a couple of weeks, just note what you eat and how you feel afterwards, which can help spot patterns. In the meantime, try eating smaller, more regular meals if your appetite is lower, and include a balance of foods like fruit, vegetables, and protein to keep your energy up. If the stomach aches keep happening or get worse, it’s a really good idea to mention it to a parent or guardian so they can check things properly and give you the right advice.

Hi, thank you for trusting me with this, there is a lot to unpack so I will break each of your questions down into categories if that's okay.

💬 You & your mam
Your relationship sounds really special. But even in close families, the deeper, more personal stuff can feel awkward to say out loud especially during puberty when teens become so very self-conscious. That’s completely normal.

Your parents likely aren’t getting it quite right because they’re worried, not because they don’t care, so if talking feels too hard, you could:

• write them  a message
• or say something simple like: “I know you’re trying to help, but it’s a bit overwhelming.”

Small steps are enough like this are more than enough to get you all back on track.

🧠 Mental health & self-care
Struggling with brushing your teeth or basic care isn’t laziness, it’s often what poor mental health looks like and add into the mix puberty and it does happen. Try lowering the pressure on yourself.

• Brush for 30 seconds instead of skipping
• Use mouthwash if brushing feels too much
• Eat fruit throughout the day when possible - apples and strawberries are great for teeth whitening

Aim for “small steps" and take a look at my blog Too Tired For School You deserve care, even on hard days.

❤️ About self-harm
I’m really sorry you’re dealing with that. You shouldn’t have to handle it alone.
Even if your parents don’t fully get it yet, it’s important to have support from someone like:

• a school counsellor or nurse
• a trusted teacher
• a helpline like Mind.org

You deserve proper support, not just to cope, but to feel better.

🪒 Shaving tips
You’re not behind at all. lots of teens figure this out themselves. Here are some basic tips and for more read my blog: When Should I Start Shaving? A Simple Guide for Teens.

• Shave in a warm shower
• Use shaving gel/conditioner (not dry skin)
• Use a clean, sharp razor
• Go in the direction hair grows first
• Use light pressure
• Rinse the blade often
• Moisturise to avoid irritation

Finally, you really are dealing with a lot, and you’re still trying and that matters more than you think. You don’t have to figure this all out alone, help and support is there for you, you just have to ask 💛

Hi, that’s not too personal at all, and it’s a really normal thing to be curious about! I got my period when I was 14, which felt quite late compared to my friends at the time, but it just shows how everyone’s timing is different. I think that’s also around when I first started shaving my legs and underarms. My first bra was a simple, soft, non-wired one, more like a starter or “training” bra, just for comfort rather than shape, i went into town with my friends and purchased a pack of two and felt very grown up.

With my daughters, one started her period at 12 and the other at 14, so even in the same family it can vary a lot. They both started wearing bras earlier on as their bodies changed, usually crop tops, but my youngest has a fuller bust so she really needed extra support by her late teens. And funnily enough, they actually started shaving before I expected, I only realised when I noticed how smooth their legs were one day, which led to a chat about doing it safely! It just goes to show everyone figures these things out in their own time 💛

Hi, those are such good questions, and there’s no need to worry. Discharge (that clear or white fluid in your underwear) can start a year or even longer before your first period, so it’s completely normal if you’ve had it for quite a while and your period still hasn’t arrived yet. It’s actually one of the signs that your body is getting ready, so nothing is wrong at all, everyone develops at their own pace.

Hi, thank you for your questions, they’re really sensible ones. For me, 11 is quite young to start shaving, so the most important first step is to talk to your mum, dad, or whoever looks after you. They can help you decide if you’re ready and may even show you how to do it safely. Razors are not loud and yes, they’re often used in the shower, but they are very sharp, so it’s really important you don’t try it on your own without guidance.

If and when you do start, you don’t have to use shaving cream, shower gel or hair conditioner, but it’s much kinder to your skin and helps prevent cuts, so it’s recommended.

But for now, there’s absolutely no rush, body hair is completely normal, and if you want more information on hair remove read my blog below, you’ve got plenty of time to figure out what feels right for you 💛

When Should I Start Shaving? A Simple Guide for Teens

First things first...take a deep breath. You are not supposed to have your whole life figured out right now. Honestly, nobody your age does, even if it looks like they might. Puberty and your teen years are already a lot to deal with, your body’s changing, your emotions are louder, and you’re starting to think bigger thoughts about the future. That can feel overwhelming really quickly. But there is absolutely no deadline on knowing who you are or what you want to do. You’re still discovering yourself, not defining yourself.

Right now, your job is much simpler than it feels: be kind to yourself and focus on the basics. Do things that make you feel good, even if that’s just listening to music, chatting with friends, or having a quiet moment to yourself. Take care of your body and mind: eat properly, get enough sleep, and let yourself rest without guilt. You don’t need a big plan yet, small, happy moments and looking after yourself are more than enough at this stage. Life doesn’t need to be sorted yet… it just needs to be lived, one step at a time 💛

When someone is circumcised, the foreskin is removed, usually in infancy. In babies, it typically heals very well, so it often doesn’t leave an obvious scar. If you’re circumcised, the head of the penis is always exposed and there isn’t any loose foreskin that can be pulled forward to cover it. However, foreskin can vary a lot, some people who are not circumcised naturally have a foreskin that sits further back and doesn’t fully cover the tip.

If you’re unsure, the most reliable way to know is simply to ask a parent or guardian, as they would know whether circumcision was done. If that’s not an option, a healthcare professional can also tell you. Either way, what you’re describing can be completely normal, and bodies vary a lot, so it’s not something to worry about 👍

Yes, that can happen, especially during puberty. It’s normal for your body to make more discharge, and sometimes it can be quite watery.

That's why many girls choose to use pantyliners daily, they help capture the discharge and leave you feeling clean and fresh.

See my blog below for more advice on discharge and what to expect.

What Is Vaginal Discharge? A Guide for Teens on What’s Normal and What’s Not

Hi, that actually does make a difference, so don’t worry about mentioning it. If you can’t make your bed the usual way, try just rolling or folding your duvet neatly and placing it at the end of your bed—it’ll instantly make your space feel tidier.
With your phone or tablet, try leaving it outside your room or downstairs when you go to sleep. It might feel weird at first, but it really helps your sleep and makes waking up easier without distractions. Plus, it avoids disturbing your dad or nana during the night.