Signs of Puberty in Girls

Jennifer Wagner, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Jul 29, 2009 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

The more YOU know about puberty in girls, the more you can help your child. Puberty is no fun, but it's an exciting time in a child's life. Remember the awkwardness, the uncertainty, and the.....sporadic hair growth? Now, by recognizing the signs of puberty in girls, we may be able to better prepare our daughter for the changes about to take place to her body. (If you have a son, read this article entitled, "How to tell if your son is entering puberty.") Family Doctor describes puberty as, "The time in life when a young person starts to become sexually mature." Parents certainly don't want to think of their child as sexually mature, but it's a natural part of growing up. It may help your daughter to understand that the signs of puberty in girls can occur at different ages, but will typically begin from ages 8 - 13 years of age.

The following are common signs of puberty in girls:

- Breast development

- Weight gain

- Widening of hips

- Acne

- Oily hair

- Body hair

- Body odor

- Vaginal discharge

- Menstruation

- Raging or unstable hormones

Your daughter may not be exhibiting all of these signs, but if you notice that she has at least two of them, then chances are she is in the beginning stages of puberty. If you've noticed that she seems to be ultra-sensitive and prone to fits of crying, this is particularly a good indicator that puberty has begun.

Although it may be difficult it is important to talk with your daughter BEFORE puberty begins. It is very important for her to understand what will be happening to her body, and that these changes are completely normal. The best advice of all for parents getting ready to talk to their children is, BE HONEST! Be prepared to answer the most embarrassing questions you can think of, and don't be embarrassed about doing it. If your child can't come to you to get the answers she needs, she'll turn to her friends and then you simply don't know what she'll be told.

To help your child cope with the changes of puberty, you can offer the following advice. This may seem like common sense to us, but it's all new to a child:

- Exercise to stay in shape and help release stress

- Eat a proper diet to maintain weight gain and improve mood.

- Bathe and wash hair daily

- Wear deodorant

- Keep skin clean

- Wear a supportive bra

- Allow your daughter to decide her preference for menstrual protection. (Have her touch and feel different tampons and pads and explain to her how they are used)

Since puberty is when your daughter will become sexually mature, it is IMPERATIVE that you discuss sex with her. She needs to understand the dangers of pregnancy, and how STD's are transmitted. This information can literally save her life.

** To read more from this author, CLICK HERE.

SOURCES:

Personal knowledge & experience

.http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/parents-teens/445.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1142720/how_to_tell_if_your_son_is_entering.html?cat=5

Published by Jennifer Wagner - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Ever since I read my first Judy Blume book as a little girl, I have wanted to write. Whether it's giving my opinion, making someone smile, or reviewing a product, writing makes me happy. My primary are... View profile

Signs of Puberty in Girls

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