Pubescent Children

I thought these articles were interesting because I could relate to "Teens Before Their Time" quite personally. I developed fairly early myself and the teasing, the discomfort and the embarassment was horrible. I felt out of place, ugly and fat compared to all the other girls my age. When kids should not have a care in the world except doing their homework, I was worried about making sure my t-shirts were laarge enough to hide my chest, or how I would sneak toiletries to the bathroom without looking like a weirdo. The stress of being the first one to hit puberty doesn't seem like it should affect someone as it does, but it can actually be very depressing. I would lie to my friends so I didn't have to go to pool parties, or tell my mom to say no when I come to her later that afternoon to ask permission to have a sleep over.

My family however was incredibly supportive. Unlike some parents like in the article who wouldn't allow their daughter to go to slumber parties, my mom was all for it. She taught me some tricks of the trade and would even come pick me up late at night if I chose not to stay the entire evening. I personally think that if children continue to start puberty early then it is important for the families to be supportive and willing to answer questions when the child decides to ask.