Puberty in Tween Girls

Puberty is a word that strikes fear in most parents and tweens alike. It is a time when the body starts experiencing rapid physical and emotional changes and like it or not, all children go through it. Girls go through changes that will take them from a child to a young woman. Menstruation is the most significant change a girl goes through during this time. As a parent, the best way you can deal with these changes is to arm yourself with information and talk to your daughter so she understands why her body is making this transformation.

The Start of Puberty

As a parent, you may wonder when your daughter will begin puberty. There is no hard and fast rule, but the average girl goes through this change anywhere between the ages of 9 and 13 years old, although it could be earlier or later. A good rule of thumb for girls is to think about yourself or family members. If you were 12 when you started your period, then you can estimate this is when your daughter will also experience changes, such as menstruation and budding breast development.

Timing Menstruation in Puberty

In addition, it is important to remember that your daughter might start changing at a very young age (subtle hints that puberty is beginning), but may take it slowly. It could be months before your daughter actually starts her first period, known as "menarche." Since menstruation marks the time when a girl comes of child-bearing age, it may be a good time to talk to your daughter about her reproductive system.

Puberty Stages

If you are wondering about the signs of puberty in girls, here are the stages in which she will go through:

• The first stage will be a growth spurt. On average, this growth spurt will be rapid growth of about three to five inches in one year.
• During the second stage of puberty in girls, you will notice that your daughter will have a small amount of breast growth, which are also called breast buds. Pubic hair will also begin to grow at this time. Generally, girls will start menstruation about six months after breast buds begin to form.
• In the next stage, your daughter will experience darkening hair growing on the armpits and legs. Increased sweating occurs during this stage coupled with body odor, oily skin and pimples begin.
• The last stage is when periods actually begin. She will also experience continued breast growth and it is during this time that she will reach her full height.

The onset of puberty is dependent on many factors including:

• Family history
• Race
• Geographical location
• Quality of nutrition
• Environmental conditions

Communication is Key to Helping Your Daughter Feel Normal

While it may be very difficult to talk to your young daughter about this matter, it is important that you take charge of the situation before puberty begins. There are many excellent books on the market, such as the American Girl book called The Care & Keeping of You [1998], that will help you explain menstruation and puberty on a level she can understand. It might also be a good idea to send off for some samples of feminine hygiene products and have them available for when the time comes.

When you keep your daughter informed in the changes in her body, you can be sure that she will be ready when her time comes. You will probably even find a closeness that only a mother and daughter can share when you talk openly and honestly about these exciting life changes.

Note: This article is not intended to constitute true medical advice. Always consult your child's physician about puberty issues.

Got boys? Read about puberty in tween boys.

Tween Girls & Puberty

Print Article

Email Article

View All Articles

How to subscribe to feeds