I remember about a year and a half ago I posted something about my daughter having body odor in her arm pits, and wanted a recommendation - and to know some other moms that have daughters that young with B.O.- for deodorant. I now have her on 100% natural deodorant (not antiperspirant). Thanks for the help and support on that.
I was guessing on the post that early body odor might mean early puberty (also, her grandma got her period at 9)... well, I may be right:( Her breasts are sore and growing now...at just 7!!! She's not overweight even slightly, eats a very balanced diet, good exercise, etc- very active... and in her own words "M., I'm too young to get breasts!" After i told her that they were hurtng because they were growing.
Now, of course I'm thinking she will get her period at an early age, too... I got mine at 12 and my breasts started hurting/growing when i was 9/10.
Anybody else have an early bloomer? Of course, my daughter, the one who has NO interest in "big girl stuff" like make-up, looking cute for boys (which she already totally is the cutest thing ever), getting older, none of that stuff related to any of those things that are marketed to girls her age (which is totally ridiculous, IMO)... is the one that is blooming early. Any advice on handling this the best way? DOES this mean we should expect her to get her period earlier?
To let you know, I've been very matter-of-fact yet light about the subject, and will NEVER make it seem like a burden or anthing negative towards her. My mom did that, and that is an AWFUL approach!
Thanks In Advance!
Like I had mentioned, my mom took a negative approach towards puberty. She never really even talked to me about it at all.... WELL, just an example, I found out JUST TODAY that my mom started developing at her age, too and had her period at 9 as well (when i mentioned that my daughter's grandma had her period at 9, I was referring to my MIL...) Well, now both of her grandma's developed early. I guess it is hereditary?
Whether it is or isn't, I made a Dr. appointment for her, and they will refer her to an endocrinologist if necessary. I looked up precocious puberty and her age and development (she will be 8 in July) actually don't sound like they are in that category... it just sounds like she is early, but not "too" early.
My husband and I have already decided that we would not take any measures to slow or stop the process... We usually always take the "non-drug" way. We are concerned about keeping up her self-confidence and helping her not feel "left-out". Oh, and just a tid-bit of info... my mom is 5'4'' and my MIL is 5'8''. I'm not thinking that her height will be stunted, esp. if she is like this purely because of the family history.
oh... also, we already eat mostly organic, so I don't think that is the reason why she may be developing early.
THANKS EVERYONE
I would take her to a pediatric endocrinologist. Have you ever heard of
precocious puberty? There are medications that can slow this process down. Seven is way too young.
She very well may get her period early given your family history. I would be open with her about menstruation soon just in case so she is not freaked out about it. She may not have heard much about it from peers because she is only 7 and this will give her time to absorb the idea.
You might want to mention it to her pediatrician. I had my son's 8 year check up last week and mentioned that he had a few hairs in his pubic area. The dr. definitely wanted to confirm that it was "O. or two" b/c more could be a sign of a hormonal surge which accompanies a growth spurt that they should NOT have now. If they do have it now, then they kind of come to a growing stall-out and that's not good. Not trying to alarm you and I don't know the signs in girls, but I thought I'd pass it along...
One of my girls is curvier than the other. Always has been. She starting "budding" at about 7 or 8. My sis kept saying "oh, she is going to get her period at 9". Well, she got it last summer at 11 1/2, the same age I was. My other daughter who is what my father would call long, lean and lanky (skinny and tall and knees and elbows) followed a few months later. I just watched their development and tried to explain things in advance though you never really can. When the time came, they knew what was happening--though were not too happy to realize this is a monthly thing and not a one timer. Last year, before they hd their periods, the doc told me at thier annual visit that once they have their armpit hair, i should expect it to follow. They still don't have that hair.
The only way to know, is to see a Pediatric Endocrinologist.
Precocious Puberty, is one thing that sometimes occurs.
Only a Ped. Endocrinologist can tell you if this is happening or not.
Your Pediatrician, will refer you to one.
Have you discussed or told your Pediatrician, about this?
That is where to start.
My daughter got funky at around seven, too. Got little buds (and a little armpit fuzz, jeez) at 8. However, the little buds stayed buds, and she did not get a period until 13, at which time the buds developed.
She is very thin and an athlete.
So no, I don't think where your girl is at right now def means she will have an early period. Still, I would discuss concerns (and did) with her doc!
Enjoy her!
:)
She sounds fairly normal really. I remember my mom starting to prepatre me for these types of things once I was about 71/2. In 3rd grade we were given our first girls only talks at school..
I think you sound like you are doing a great job. Just stay honest. Stay matter of fact. Try not to make it sound like a burden, so many women moan and groan about oh, no.. now you will have to deal with this. Blah, blah, blah.. When instead think of it as, cool, your body is so interesting!
You're doing the right thing by not treating it like a burden. My mom always did and also set the example that it was okay to use the "I've got my period" excuse for losing your temper. (IMO, it's not.) But do talk to her pediatrician soon and consider asking for a referral to a pediatric endocrinologist, as others suggested. My co-worker's daughter was always very curvy and started getting the buds around 7. She got her period at age 9 and pretty much stopped growing. She's 12 now and probably won't get much taller than her current height of 4'8.
there was an article in a major newspaper, maybe USAToday recently about this subject and girls developing early. I would suggest you talk to your pediatrician about this. I think that elementary school is too early for her period but it sounds like she is on her way. there are things your ped can recommend to slow things down if you desire.
Well I have my personal story. I started developing at 8 and didn't get my period till 11. There is some research indicating that kids are starting puberty at younger ages because of the growth hormones in cow's milk and stuff. But, for the most part, she is just starting to get into that age group. Get ready!
Feed your child organic meat-until she is at least 12 yrs of age.
