Family

Helping children with early puberty

Dear Diane, Is it true that it's weight and not age that will kick-start puberty in girls? oy niece is developing very rapidly at the age of 10 and I know my sister has already had to have "the talk" because

Dear Diane,

Is it true that it’s weight and not age that will kick-start puberty in girls? oy niece is developing very rapidly at the age of 10 and I know my sister has already had to have “the talk” because her doctor advised that her periods look set to start sooner rather than later. Gosh, when I was young none of us started menstruating until we were about 13 and I can remember a couple of classmates who were even later than that.

It depresses me thinking of a 10-year-old having to handle hormonal feelings, not to mention all the other bothers that come with entering adulthood. Do you think if my sister somehow encouraged her daughter to lose weight it might hold off the dreaded “curse”?

Christine, by email===Dear Christine,

Studies show that girls from societies with good nutrition begin puberty earlier. Also, 10 years old is no longer considered particularly early. While she may appear to us to be horrifyingly young to be dealing with bras and periods, you may be able to draw some comfort from the fact that your niece will probably not be the only one in her class.

The best anyone can do for a child who reaches puberty early is be as matter-of-fact as possible. Support her feelings as her hormone levels go up and down, and make sure she knows all she needs to about body changes and how to handle personal hygiene, such as showering and deodorant.

Make sure that her home and school have adequate facilities and privacy for her to handle her periods.

Although girls who are very muscular and lean from sports participation tend to have a delayed puberty, any dieting now for your niece wouldn’t delay her puberty and would only lead to greater self-consciousness and less body satisfaction.

Above all, she needs to know the adult women around her are comfortable with their own femininity and are proud to welcome her as a beautiful young woman.

Diane Levy provides expert answers to your parenting queries. Submit your question below or send to: [email protected]. Diane’s parenting books are available in book shops.

Related stories