Early Female Puberty
Brie Williams
Early Onset Puberty
Girls can experience early puberty from many factors including heredity, nutrition, ethnicity, and SES. Girls that experience early maturation are more likely to be unpopular, anxious deviant, and have low self-esteem and body image.
Negative Results of Early Puberty
Early maturation can result in the loss of childhood, not fitting in with peers, and a higher risk of sexual molestation and abuse. In result of not fitting in with peers; early maturers will try to bond with older adolescents, who may encourage deviant behavior. Some physical risks of early puberty are breast budding, loss of adult height, and a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
A Parents Biggest Fear
Parents are terrified that their premature daughters that look like teenagers, will be more likely to act like teenagers. Media has a huge impact on girls, and half naked women in magazines, youtube videos, and music give girls the idea to be sexually active. Parents are mourning the loss of their daughters innocence too early. Parents need to help protect their early developing females from their own sexual desires and the desires of others. Parents need to keep a steady form of communication during this time, because most girls are not emotionally prepared for puberty.
Talking to Your Child About Sex
Foster open communication to show that you are a trustworthy resource. Use the correct terms for body parts to show that sex is not a secret. Use effective discussion techniques such as requiring the child's participation to avoid withdraw. Reflect before speaking and do not force your opinion on them. Keep conversations going to check on your child.