Chasing Life
Puberty Is Starting Earlier. Should Parents Worry?
Mar 21, 2025
Dr. Cara Natterson, a pediatrician and author of the bestselling series on adolescent health, sheds light on a concerning trend: children are entering puberty earlier than ever—around age 8 for girls and 9 for boys. She explores the implications of this shift, touching on environmental factors, nutrition, and stress. Natterson emphasizes the importance of open communication between parents and kids during this critical time, offering strategies to foster meaningful discussions and support healthy development through these changes.
37:40
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Quick takeaways
- The average onset of puberty is now significantly earlier, with girls starting at eight and boys at nine, challenging previous norms.
- Socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in earlier puberty onset, highlighting the need for parents to consider environmental stressors affecting their children's development.
Deep dives
Changes in Puberty Onset
The average onset of puberty in the United States has shifted significantly, with girls starting as early as eight and boys around nine. This marks a notable change from the previously established norms where puberty began around 11 or 11.5 years old. Research conducted by Marsha Herman-Giddens indicated that the average age of breast development for girls has decreased to around ten, and for boys, early indicators of puberty appear between nine and ten. This alteration in developmental timelines highlights the variations in puberty onset that parents today must navigate compared to past generations.
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