Rotimi Adesanya
A nine-year-old girl who happens to be in primary five reported to her teacher that she was kicked by a classmate (a boy) during the break time.
She developed abdominal pain and blood later started dripping from her underwear. She had to be rushed to the school’s sick bay and her teacher also contacted her parents so that the girl could be taken to their family hospital.
But upon examination at the clinic, it was revealed that the girl had just had her first menstrual flow, called menarche. This was also a case of early puberty medically called precocious puberty.
Precocious puberty
Puberty is described as precocious, or early, when breasts develop in a girl before she clocks eight years or menstrual period starts before age nine. Puberty begins when the body starts producing sex hormones usually around 11 years for girls. We say puberty is precocious when these hormones are produced earlier. In most cases, especially with girls, there is no sinister or underlying reason why puberty begins early. In some rare cases, there can be serious problems in the brain, such as infection, a head injury or tumours that are causing the symptoms. For this reason, it’s important to get your daughter examined by a doctor.
Changes in the body
Going through puberty early means that she’ll develop earlier (her breasts and pubic hair will grow) and she’ll start her period earlier. Most likely she’ll also have a growth spurt and appear to be head and shoulders above her classmates.
These signs may include the budding of breasts, growth acceleration, pubic and underarm hair, body odour and menstrual bleeding. Mental development is not associated with puberty. So while your daughter may be developing the body of a woman, she will still have the mind of a child. Some girls may start behaving like a moody teen due to the production of the puberty hormones.
Girls who go through puberty early often feel self-conscious and embarrassed about their bodies.
Parental support
- Seek medical advice: While the causes of precocious puberty are often unknown, in some cases it may be triggered by medical conditions that need to be addressed. Additionally, your medical practitioner may be able to provide advice on how to explain puberty to your child.
- Educate yourself and others: Gain an understanding of the changes that your child is likely to experience so that you are able to answer any questions or concerns the child may have. Teach her sexuality education.
- Create an open and loving environment with your child. Be available to talk, listen to your child and keep your reactions calm. Children often worry about upsetting their parents with questions about sensitive topics; so keeping your reactions and emotions calm and supportive will help your child to be open with you.
Remember your child’s developmental age: Precocious puberty can be very confusing as children’s physical bodies are maturing ahead of their emotional and cognitive development, which can often change our own or others, expectations of the child.
Expect and seek support for emotional changes and stress: Children who enter puberty earlier than their peers are more susceptible to changes in mood and emotional state than their peers. This can be most difficult and can often lead to children being misunderstood, isolated and in some cases, victimised. Help your child to label their emotions, use positive coping strategies such as talking with their parents, and seek professional help if you notice marked changes to your child’s mood and anxiety levels.
Get practical: For children experiencing precocious puberty, what are seemingly normal everyday activities can become stressful and anxiety-provoking. For example, going to the toilet at school can be distressing for girls who have started menstruating if they are worried about non-availability of toilet paper, soap or an appropriate disposal bin.
Be your child’s safe haven. At a time children can be feeling different, isolated and confused, be your child’s coach and cheering squad. Demonstrate love and affection and give her all the affirmation she needs by valuing and engaging in the development of her skills, gifts, talents and interests.
In conclusion, boys too do have early puberty before age nine. The signs, which include enlargement of the testes and penis, increased musculature and body hair, growth acceleration and deepening of the voice, are not easily noticeable by other people.
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