Puberty is a major developmental transition in a child’s life, but when it happens earlier than expected, it can bring unique challenges for kids and their parents. For girls, early puberty (also known as precocious puberty) is defined as the onset of puberty before age 8. This includes the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development, and eventually the onset of menstruation.
How Common Is Early Puberty?
Studies show that the mean age of pubertal onset for girls has been falling over the past century, to an average onset of 10.5 years old. About 15% of girls will go through puberty “early” (before age 7), and around 28% will start puberty around age 8. Factors such as genetics, weight, environmental influences and the effects of stress may contribute to earlier development. While true “early puberty” affects only a minority of girls, the onset of puberty can be earlier than many parents expect.
Why Early Puberty Can Be Difficult for Girls
Girls who experience early puberty often face emotional and social challenges. For example, they may feel self-conscious about their changing bodies, leading to feelings of isolation, embarrassment and shame. Additionally, studies have shown that early puberty is associated with an increased risk of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression and body dysmorphia which can persist into adulthood.
Socially, girls who develop earlier may receive unwanted attention from peers and adults and are at risk of being perceived as older than their chronological age. They are at higher risk of bullying and even sexual harassment and can have more difficulty navigating friendships.
The Challenges for Parents
Many parents feel unprepared to discuss puberty with their daughter at such a young age or feel uncomfortable navigating conversations about changing bodies or sexual maturation. Parents may also struggle with their own emotions and reactions and find it hard to tolerate the changes in their child.
How Parents Can Support Their Daughters Through Early Puberty
Navigating early puberty requires a thoughtful and compassionate approach. Here are some tips to get you started.
Start Open and Age-Appropriate Conversations
Even if puberty seems far off, it’s never too early to talk about puberty and bodily change in simple and reassuring ways. Ideally, these conversations begin well before puberty. Books such as “The Care and Keeping of You for Younger Girls” and “Celebrate Your Body and Its Changes, Too” are great to read with your child. If your daughter is developing early, explain what’s happening in a way she can understand, and normalize these changes so she doesn’t feel like something is wrong.
Validate Her Feelings
It’s important to acknowledge and validate any emotions your daughter may have. If she expresses embarrassment, anxiety or confusion, listen and reassure her that what she’s going through is completely normal. Let her know she’s not alone and that many other girls experience the same thing.
Provide Practical Support
Help your daughter feel prepared by providing the necessary products, such as bras, deodorant or menstrual supplies before she needs them, and teaching her how to use them. Your daughter will also need you to be her advocate. This may involve communication with teachers or coaches, or with other parents, to make sure your daughter has whatever accommodations she needs (e.g. bathroom breaks, private places to change, etc.).
Encourage Positive Body Image or Work Towards Body Neutrality
Girls going through early puberty may struggle with their body image and experience shame about their changing bodies. Be mindful about how you talk about your body and don’t comment on a child’s body. Help your daughter focus on what her body can do rather than how it looks, normalize different body types, and reinforce the idea that all bodies develop at their own pace and that differences are normal.
Monitor Her Emotional Well-Being
Because early puberty is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression, keep an eye out for changes in mood, withdrawal from activities or signs of distress. Consider consulting with your pediatrician or a trained therapist if you are concerned about your daughter’s emotional well-being.
Final Thoughts
Early puberty can be a challenging experience for girls, but the right support can make all the difference. Remember to also put on your own oxygen mask first. Taking care of your own emotional needs as a parent is a critical part of parenting your daughter through this experience.
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Dr. Emma Basch is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Washington, D.C. She is the founder and director of Dr. Emma Basch & Associates (dremmabasch.com), a group practice specializing in women’s mental health with a focus on perinatal and reproductive mental health. They offer teletherapy to clients in more than 30 states. Dr. Basch also serves on the board of the DC Metro Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative and is a Clinical Instructor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at GWU.
Dr. Emma Basch is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Washington, D.C. She is the founder and director of Dr. Emma Basch & Associates (dremmabasch.com), a group practice specializing in women’s mental health with a focus on perinatal and reproductive mental health. They offer teletherapy to clients in more than 30 states. Dr. Basch also serves on the board of the DC Metro Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative and is a Clinical Instructor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at GWU.
