The New Puberty with Dr. Sheryl Ziegler

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Jul 1, 2025

Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, author of The Critical Years, dives into the complexities of puberty starting earlier for today's youth. She reveals how societal changes shape the puberty experience for kids, emphasizing open conversations between parents and children. Ziegler discusses the emotional toll on both genders and advocates for fostering a supportive environment beyond physical changes. With practical tools, she encourages parents to navigate this challenging landscape with compassion and clarity, creating stronger connections during this transitional phase.

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INSIGHT

Puberty Starts Earlier Than Before

Puberty now begins about five years earlier than a century ago.
This shift means today's childhood phases are shorter than before.

INSIGHT

Early Puberty Risks Differ by Gender

Early puberty causes more serious risks for girls than boys.
Girls face earlier sexualization, depression, and anxiety uniquely tied to early development.

ADVICE

Redirect Attention from Bodies

Parentally redirect comments about a child's developing body to focus on other achievements.
Use scripts to ask relatives or coaches to avoid commenting on physical changes.

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Puberty is starting earlier—and for many parents, it’s arriving before they or their kids feel ready. In this episode, Dr. Becky sits down with Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, author of The Crucial Years: Early Interventions in Education and Childcare, to unpack why puberty today looks so different for our kids than it did for us—and what caregivers can do to support them through it.

Together, they explore the emotional and physical shifts that are arriving sooner than expected, the impact of today’s culture on tweens, and practical tools for navigating this new stage with connection, clarity, and compassion.

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For a full transcript of the episode, go to goodinside.com/podcast.

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