Puberty is a time when A child experiences changes that are marked by the start of the active sexual organs in his body. This process occurs due to hormonal changes, and generally begins when children enter their teens.
Normally, puberty occurs between the ages of 10 and 15 for boys. Whereas in girls puberty occurs more quickly, namely at the age of 9 to 14 years. Even so, puberty can also occur late or even earlier.
Early puberty or early puberty begins at the age of 9 years for boys and 8 years for girls. Sometimes, this can affect a child's emotional state. Children may feel unprepared for the changes that occur in their bodies and become different from their peers. Likewise, parents, who can feel worried about the early changes that occur in their children.
This Changes When Children Go to Early Puberty
Early puberty does not only affect the child's physical and/or emotional state at that time, but can also affect the changes in the child's self in later life. The following are some of the things that happen at puberty:
- PhysiqueGirls will start to experience enlargement of their breasts, acne will appear, experience menstruation, armpit and pubic hair will begin to grow, and body odor will begin to change. Whereas in men, the voice will become heavier, body odor begins to change, acne appears, reproductive organs begin to enlarge, height growth accelerates.
- EmotionEarly puberty which changes a child's physical form faster than their peers can affect a child's emotions. For example, in girls who experience early menstruation, they can experience depression and anxiety, because they are confused about the changes that are happening to them. There could also be a decrease in self-confidence due to the changes he experienced.
- Body posture
If so, the child will not experience height growth again because bone growth has stopped and the child's body frame has matured. So as adults, children who experience early puberty tend to be shorter in stature than their peers.
- BehaviorNot only emotions can be affected by early puberty, but also children's behavior. For example, some boys who experience early puberty may have more sexual desire for their age. Meanwhile, girls can become more sensitive, irritable, and their emotions can fluctuate. Even so, this condition still requires more research.
- Disease riskBesides being able to affect the psychological development and behavior of children, early puberty is also expected to pose a risk of disease later in life. One of them is the risk of breast cancer in women, obesity, and brain tumors. However, this still needs more in-depth research to prove that there is indeed a connection between early puberty and these diseases.
Early puberty is a condition that needs to be consulted with a pediatrician, so that treatment can be given if needed. Experiencing early puberty is certainly not an easy thing for children. As a parent, at times like this it's a good idea to get closer to your child. Give a clear explanation of what is going on in him and how to deal with it.
Even though early puberty can affect a child's condition later in life, there's really nothing to worry about. So, stay with your child quietly.