Understanding Early Puberty and Identity Formation

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the challenges parents face when their children experience puberty earlier than expected. With recent reports showing that puberty starts two to three years earlier than in previous generations, parents may feel unprepared to navigate this new territory. Dr. Kathy emphasizes that while the age of onset may be earlier, puberty is not occurring faster. This can lead to confusion as parents struggle to reconcile the physical changes in their children with their mental and emotional development. The episode also discusses the potential risks that early bloomers may face, such as increased vulnerability to predators and engagement in risky behaviors. Dr. Kathy provides insights and guidance on how to support and protect children going through early puberty.