During puberty, your body starts making natural vaginal discharge, and it can sometimes feel wetter at night simply because you’ve been lying down for hours and it has nowhere else to go. Changes in hormones can also make discharge come and go without much warning. All of that is completely normal.

You don’t need to worry about “wet dreams” or anything like that. For people with vaginas, waking up feeling damp is most often just normal discharge doing its job of keeping everything healthy. As long as it doesn’t smell very strong, look unusual, or cause itching or pain, it’s nothing to be concerned about. Washing as part of your usual routine and wearing fresh underwear is enough.

Hi, and yes this is perfectly normal, discharge can arrive anytime from the age of 8 upwards, and sometimes discharge can be mistaken of Smegma a white oily substance that is found in the folds of the labia. For now try not to worry, it sounds like your body is working just as it should and my tip would be to get a period kit ready or even consider purchasing the Lil-Lets period kit, to take to school so you are always prepared.

Hi, a lot of girls don’t shave their arms, but some do, it really comes down to personal preference. Arm hair is usually finer and lighter than leg or underarm hair, so many people decide to leave it alone and hardly notice it after a while. Others choose to remove it because they prefer the look or feel. There isn’t a “normal” or “right” choice here, trying it or not trying it is both completely okay.

One thing that’s helpful to know is that shaving doesn’t actually make hair grow back thicker or darker, that’s a really common myth. But it can feel coarser at first because the hair grows back with a blunt end, but the hair itself hasn’t changed.

If you’re unsure, you might want to wait a bit and see how you feel, you’re allowed to decide what feels best for your body, and there’s no rush at all.

Hi, lots of people feel insecure about body hair, especially as they get older, and wanting to shave your legs is a really normal choice. Talking to your dad might feel awkward, but he cares about you and will want you to feel comfortable. You could keep it simple by asking if you can go shopping together for toiletries like razors or hair‑removal cream, or just saying you feel ready to start shaving your legs. You don’t have to give lots of detail, chances are he’ll understand more than you think.

And yes, what you described is completely normal. Everyone’s body develops at different times, and it’s common to have hair “down there” before underarm hair, or in different orders altogether. There’s no right or wrong timeline.

Hi! First of all, I’m really glad you asked this question, a lot of young people feel exactly the same, even if they don’t talk about it out loud.

During puberty, bodies change in ways we don’t always expect. Hips can widen, tummies can look rounder, and weight can shift, especially for people born with a uterus. That isn’t a sign that anything is “wrong”; it’s just biology doing its thing.

It’s really important not to diet at this stage. Your body actually needs more fuel while it’s growing, not less. Cutting food can make you feel tired, grumpy, or even slow down healthy growth. Instead of focusing on being “lighter,” it can help to focus on feeling strong, healthy, and comfortable in your body.

Gentle movement is the best approach: walking a bit more, swimming if you can, cycling, or even dancing around your room to your favourite music (which totally counts!). These help your body feel good without pressure. As you keep growing taller, things often even out naturally over time.

Please be kind to yourself, your body is working very hard right now and you don’t need to shrink it to be worthy or confident. 

Firstly, what you’re feeling is so normal. Even when you know other people who’ve had Invisalign, anything new that involves your face/teeth can make your tummy flutter a bit. Sometimes you’re not nervous about one thing, just the whole “unknown” vibe – and that’s okay.

The good news? You’re definitely not alone, and from everyone I know who’s had Invisalign, they’ve all said pretty much the same thing: it’s way less scary than they expected.

Here are a few gentle tips to help you feel more confident:

Give yourself time to adjust. The first day or two with a new set can feel a bit weird or tight and that’s totally normal and means it’s doing its job. It settles quickly.
Follow the instructions your orthodontist gives you, especially how long to wear them each day. Being consistent actually makes the whole process easier and faster.
Keep them clean (and don’t panic if they look a bit strange out of your mouth... everyone’s do!).
Talk about it. Since your friends are having Invisalign too, you can swap tips, complain about tightness days, and laugh about taking them out to eat, honestly, that helps more than you think.

Before you know it, putting them in will feel like brushing your teeth, just part of your routine and you’ll probably wonder what you were worried about in the first place.
You’ve got this. Be kind to yourself, take it one step at a time, and remember: nervous doesn’t mean you can’t handle it.

Braces - How To Manage Them

I’m really glad you asked this question, a lot of young girls feel exactly the same way, even though hardly anyone talks about it.

What you’re feeling usually happens around puberty because your body has changed before your brain has caught up. When breasts start to develop, your body suddenly feels much more noticeable and “on display”, especially in places like swimming pools and changing rooms. That can make you feel exposed, shy, embarrassed, or even disconnected from your own body. Nothing is wrong with you, this is a very common reaction, not a sign that you actually dislike swimming or that your body is bad.

Changing rooms are especially hard because there’s comparison, little privacy, and the feeling that people might be looking (even when they’re not). That can make your body feel like a problem, when really it’s just doing what bodies are meant to do. Not wanting to swim anymore is a normal response when something starts to feel overwhelming. It doesn’t mean you’ll feel this way forever.

Here are my tips that might help (only take what feels right for you):

• Wearing a swimsuit you feel secure in, like one with more coverage or support
• Getting changed in a toilet cubicle or briefly covering yourself with a towel
• Going in and out of the changing room a bit quicker, or changing slightly earlier/later if allowed
• Talking quietly to a trusted teacher or adult, you don’t have to share details, just that changing rooms make you uncomfortable

Most importantly, please know this: your body hasn’t ruined swimming. Your confidence just needs time and kindness to catch up with your growth. These feelings usually soften as you get more used to your body and it starts to feel like yours again.

Puberty doesn’t look the same for everyone, and for some people the changes to their face are very gradual or quite subtle. When changes happen slowly, it can feel like nothing is happening at all, especially when you see yourself every day. Facial changes can also continue throughout your late teens, so you’re not “behind” or doing anything wrong.

Some people notice big changes early on, others later, and some never have dramatic changes, all of those are completely normal. Your face will continue to mature as you grow, and it doesn’t need to change a lot to be healthy or to look good. Try not to compare yourself too much to others; puberty really does run on its own timetable for everyone.

Getting cramps in your bottom/rectal area during your period can feel surprising or even worrying, but it’s actually quite common and usually nothing to be alarmed about.

During your period, your body releases chemicals called prostaglandins that make the uterus contract so menstrual fluid can be released. Those same contractions and the muscles and nerves nearby can also affect the bowel and rectal muscles, which can cause sharp, aching, or sudden crampy pains in that area. Some people notice it more when sitting, going to the toilet, or during heavier flow days. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your body, it’s just how closely everything is connected.

These cramps usually settle on their own, but things like a warm hot water bottle, gentle movement, deep breathing, and staying hydrated can help. 

Hi! Wanting to eat healthier at 14 is a really positive thing, and you’re already thinking about it in a great way.

My first tip is not to cut sweets and chocolate out completely. If you ban them, it can actually make cravings worse and make the habit harder to stick to. Instead, try allowing yourself one small sweet treat a day at first, then every other day, and eventually every couple of days if you want. There’s no need to rule out nice things completely, balance is much healthier.

To help cut down on sweets, it also helps to eat regular, filling meals so you’re not reaching for chocolate just because you’re hungry.

Healthy but filling meal ideas
Breakfast

• Porridge with milk and fruit
• Toast with eggs, peanut butter, or avocado
• Greek yoghurt with granola and berries
• A smoothie with milk or yoghurt, banana, and fruit

Lunch

• Sandwich or wrap with chicken, tuna, egg, or hummus and veggies
• Pasta salad with cheese or chicken
• Soup with bread
• Leftover dinner from the night before

Dinner

• Spaghetti bolognese with veggies
• Chicken, rice, and vegetables
• Stir-fry with noodles or rice
• Jacket potato with beans, cheese, or tuna
• Homemade wraps or fajitas

These meals include carbs, protein, and healthy fats, which help keep you full for longer and reduce cravings for sweets later.

You can still enjoy chocolate sometimes, eating healthier isn’t about being perfect, it’s about making small changes that you can actually keep up with

Hi, this is extremely unlikely! 

Here’s why, there are three separate openings in that area, and they are in different places. The urethra (where pee comes from) is very small and a tampon physically cannot go into it. The vaginal opening is where a tampon is designed to go and is positioned so it’s the most natural place for it to fit. The anal opening (butt) is further back, and you would have to deliberately place a tampon there for it to go in, it wouldn’t happen by accident.

Puberty has certainly arrived for you, and I’m so glad you found our site, as we have so many blogs that can help reassure you on this journey. 💛

What you’re noticing does mean your hormones and feelings are changing, and that’s a completely normal part of puberty. Things like discharge, hair in your armpits and between your legs, more sweat and body odour, and big emotions are all common signs that puberty has started. Hormones can affect both your body and your mood, which is why you might sometimes feel upset or angry over small things and not understand why!

Does this mean your period is coming soon? Possibly, but not definitely yet. For many people, periods start anywhere from a few months to a couple of years after these first changes begin. Everyone develops at their own pace, and being 10 and noticing these signs is very normal. Puberty can feel confusing at times, but trust me your body knows what it’s doing. 

Check out my blogs below for more advice.

What Is Puberty & How To Manage It?

Growth Spurts & Growing Pains

My First Period

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

Ingrown hairs are really common, especially when you first start shaving — so you’re definitely not alone. One of the best ways to prevent them is to gently exfoliate the area about twice a week. This removes dead skin cells that can trap hairs under the skin and cause them to grow inward. Use a soft washcloth or a gentle exfoliating product, and avoid scrubbing too hard, as armpit skin is sensitive. Shaving with a clean razor and using moisturiser afterwards can also help keep the skin calm and reduce in grown hairs.

When Should I Start Shaving? A Simple Guide for Teens

I do have a little experience when dealing with pimples and my advice is to leave them be. Spots are common during puberty at sebaceous oil glands start to produce more sebum, the natural oils that keep the skin moisturised.

If they are red, angry and itchy it's because they are in their early inflammatory stage, during this time picking, squeezing or using harsh skin products will only make them even more visible and angry. 

So, my tip would be to use a clean, cold damp cloth to reduce the redness and irritation. Keep your hair away from the forehead as the natural oils on the hair can transfer making the spot more aggravated. If you can also wash pillow cases every week this will also help keep the area clean. 

Spots are a normal part of puberty, and they don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Even with the best skincare routine, hormones can still cause breakouts that come and go, and that’s completely okay. Be kind to your skin, keep things simple, and remember, this stage doesn’t last forever, even if the spots feel frustrating right now.

The short answer is: no, you don’t have to shave pubic hair. Pubic hair is completely normal and has a purpose, and whether you remove it, trim it, or leave it alone is a personal choice, not a requirement. Some people prefer removing it for comfort or style, others don’t, both are absolutely fine. What matters most is that any choice comes from you, not pressure, trends, or what you think you “should” be doing.

Because this is something lots of people wonder about, I’ve actually written a full blog post that explains the pros, cons, myths, and common worries around pubic hair in a clear, reassuring way. Have a read, and if you’ve still got questions afterwards, you’re more than welcome to come back and ask, I’m always happy to help.

When Should I Start Shaving? A Simple Guide for Teens

Hi, you’re absolutely right that a lot of people are never properly taught this, so I will do my best to explain. Firstly, there are two main parts and it really helps to understand both.

The vulva – the parts you can see on the outside
The vagina & reproductive organs – the parts you can’t see

The vulva (external anatomy)

This is everything on the outside, and it’s often wrongly called “the vagina”:

Labia majora – the outer lips (usually have hair after puberty)
Labia minora – the inner lips (can be longer, shorter, darker, lighter — all normal!)
Clitoris – a very sensitive organ at the top, under a small hood
Urethral opening – where pee comes out (not the vagina)
Vaginal opening – where periods come from and tampons go in

Remember all vulvas look different. There is no “normal” look.

The vagina & inside organs (internal anatomy)

Vagina – a stretchy tube that connects the vulva to the cervix
Cervix – the entrance to the womb
Uterus (womb) – where period blood comes from and where a baby would grow later in life
Fallopian tubes & ovaries – release eggs and hormones, fertilisation occurs in the fallopian tubes.

Finally, here are a few reassuring things to know

• Discharge, smells, and changes are normal in puberty
• You don’t need to do anything special to clean inside - the vagina cleans itself
• Asking questions about your body is mature, not embarrassing

Vaginal discharge doesn’t have much of an odour but things like what you’ve eaten, sweat, your natural hormones, and how fresh the area is after the day can give certain odours.

Foods with strong smells, staying in tight clothes, or just normal bodily bacteria can sometimes create an oddly specific scent (brains are great at making random smell comparisons!). As long as the smell isn’t strongly fishy, yeasty/bready, or accompanied by itching, burning, pain, or unusual discharge colour, it’s usually nothing to worry about.

Keep the area clean with warm water only (no scented soaps), change underwear daily, and let things breathe and if the smell becomes strong or persistent, that’s when it’s worth checking in with a GP. You’re doing okay

Check out my blog below for hygiene tips down there!

Puberty & Intimate Hygiene: A Simple Guide for Girls

Yes, it is still possible to get meningitis after having the vaccine, but the jab you had five years ago is still doing its job and gives you strong protection against four of the most serious strains (A, C, W and Y). There are other types of meningitis the vaccine doesn’t cover, which is why doctors say no vaccine offers 100% protection, but being vaccinated greatly reduces your risk and makes severe illness much less likely.

The key takeaway is this: having had the vaccine is a really positive thing and already puts you in a much safer position, just keep an eye out for symptoms if you ever feel genuinely unwell, rather than worrying in advance

Here are some gentle, realistic tips that can really help.

Easy Night‑Time Sleep Checklist

•  Get homework done as early as you can after school
•  Do something active in the early evening (walk, stretch, dance, PE homework — anything counts)
• As it gets darker, pack your bag and lay out clothes for tomorrow
• Have a shower or bath to help your body relax
• Put your phone on charge away from your bed (seriously, this helps so much)
• Close curtains, dim lights, get into bed around the same time each night

• Brain dump: write everything on your mind on paper, then tell yourself “I’ve dealt with this for today”
• Breathing trick: breathe in for 4, hold for 4, out for 6, repeat a few times
• Safe distraction: imagine a cosy place (beach, cabin, favourite room) and focus on small details
• Reassuring thought: say to yourself “I’ve done enough today. Tomorrow can wait.”

That’s not inappropriate at all — it’s a really common and sensible question.

A smear test (also called cervical screening or PAP) is usually first offered from your mid‑twenties and is done to check the health of your cervix. For most people, it doesn’t hurt, it’s more of an odd or slightly uncomfortable sensation than pain, and it’s over very quickly.

You may feel some pressure and a brief scraping feeling, but it shouldn’t last more than a few seconds. The nurse will talk you through everything and you’re always in control, so you can ask them to stop at any point. Feeling nervous is completely normal, but many people are surprised by how straightforward it actually is