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Early puberty in 7yo DD

4 replies

duriandurian · 14/08/2017 10:27

My daughter, 8 in September, has BO, some discharge in pants occasionally and possibly some v thin pubic hairs developing. She is tall for her age and weighs around 30kg. Active and fit.
NHS guidelines seem to indicate that this is normal.
Is it? Seems rotten early to me- I was an early developer and HATED it but my Ma wasn't and nor were my MiL or SiL so I was really hoping she wouldn't be.
Should I go to the Dr. to chat (probably without her).
And any books to recommend? I bought What's Happening to my Body but it is VERY full and frank about sex and she is still at the Mummy Laid an Egg level of thinking about it.
I don't want her to become any more self conscious than she has to be. Currently loves sharing a bath with her younger brother but will keep an eye on if/when she wants to stop this.
School has shared changing for PE up to age 11 (by which point I pretty much had an adult's body, again hoping she won't follow in my footsteps).
Aargh, I am trying very hard not to project on this. But childhood is such a short time it seems so annoying that it can be cut even shorter by physical changes.

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
NewPantsforaNewYear · 14/08/2017 11:21

My DD was about the same.

She's now 11 and has breast buds, pubic and under arm hair. She's not very happy about it, as none of her friends have hair but on the other hand, still happy to wander round in her pants (much to teenage DS's horror).

I got her this book published by American Girl, The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls. It's pitched at the right age and I don't think mentions sex at all. Not too American either. It's a great starting point for conversations and she still goes back to it now.

No sign of periods yet but she is going back to school with a little zipped pouch containing spare pants and a couple of teen pads, to keep on her bag.

duriandurian · 14/08/2017 11:32

Oh brilliant. Thank you, I will order the book today.
I would be ecstatic if she didn't end up having periods until 11. I was 9 and am guiltily scared she'll be the same.

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NewPantsforaNewYear · 14/08/2017 12:09

Gosh, that must have been tough. Increasingly common now I gather from teacher friends.

duriandurian · 14/08/2017 13:12

It was horrendous for me tbh.
We are considering a local single sex junior school for her for various reasons anyway, but if she looks to be a v early developer I think it is one more reason.
Early development is associated with higher rates of eating disorders and all sorts.
Will keep on keeping her active and cross my fingers. And give her the book too.
Thanks again.

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