The Signs of Puberty in Tween Girls

Tween

Etymology
(Twenties): A blend of twenty and -teen.
(Pre-teen): A blend of teen(ager) and between.
(In animation): Verbal use of the preposition (be)tween.

tween (plural tweens)
1.(nonce word) A number in the twenties, or from 23 to 32.  

tween (plural tweens)
1.A person who is neither a young child nor an adolescent, one of an age in the range of 8 to 12 years old or a similar range.
2.A person who is in his or her twenties. (Derived from German zwanziger.)
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At some point during the tween years, a girl will begin to experience the stages of puberty. Knowing what to look for can ease your mind, and help your tween through these enormous physical and emotional changes.

Below are some of the more typical signs of puberty in girls. Keep in mind that these stages may appear gradually, and it may take three to four years for your child to cycle through all the phases of puberty.
In general, boys will go through puberty at some point between the ages of 9 and 14. Girls may begin between the ages of 8 and 12. Share these signs with your tween daughter, so she knows what to expect. Also, be sure you explain how she might handle her first period if you're not around to help, such as when she's at school or away from home.

Physical Changes
•Growth Spurts
•Body shape changes as body fat accumulates around the hips, and thighs, giving girls a curvier shape.
•Breast development
•Body odor and skin breakouts due to increased oil gland production.
•Hair growth in the underarm area, on the legs and in the pubic area.
•Menstruation begins, typically around the age of 12.

Emotional Changes

•Mood swings may begin, punctuated with bouts of anger, sadness, and other emotional fluctuations.
•Romantic feelings and interest in the opposite sex.
•Anxiety and/or excitement about the changes she is going through.
•Concerns over increased responsibility, fitting in socially, and separating from her parents.


Before You Talk to Your Tween About Puberty


Puberty can be a confusing time for a tween, and for parents. As a child changes, so does his mood, body, interests, and even family dynamics can change. Here's what parents should know before their child hits puberty. And don't worry, talking with your tween about puberty doesn't have to be uncomfortable, as long as you're prepared.


Puberty Basics

Tweens change at their own pace, and that can make things awkward for those who enter puberty before or after their peers. Girls typically begin experiencing the first signs of puberty between the ages of 8 and 12. Boys begin later, typically between the ages of 9 and 14.



[u]About Those Changes

Puberty is all about change, and to a tween, change can be pretty scary. Be sure you know what to expect, so you can prepare your child for the changes ahead and talk to him about puberty and its challenges and rewards. Keep in mind that some tweens adjust easily to change, while others find it stressful and depressing.•Signs of Puberty in Tween Girls


Resources for Girls

There are a number of resources available to girls approaching puberty. Books and kits range from very informative to just covering the basics. Decide which approach is best for your tween, then shop around for one that works for her.
•The Period Book
•What's Happening to My Body: Book for Girls
•The Changes Kit for Girls


Resources for Boys

There just don't seem to be as many resources for boys entering puberty as there are for girls. But it only takes one good source to give your child the information, and confidence he needs.
•What's Happening to My Body: Book for Boys


Making it Positive

It's easy for tweens to only see the negatives about growing older, and changing. But puberty isn't all bad. Be sure you point out the positive aspects of change, growing up, taking on more responsibility, and learning more things.
•The Upside of Puberty


Other Considerations

It can be uncomfortable and exciting to see your tween take an interest in the opposite sex, dating, and growing up. Life happens pretty quickly, so be sure you're prepared for the changes ahead, in order to discuss family values, expectations, responsibilities, and more.
•The Truth About Tween Dating
•Talking to Tweens About Sex
•Girls and the HPV Vaccine


Just for Girls

Girls often worry that they'll get their first period while they're away from home. Be sure you prepare your daughter for the experience ahead of time, in case you can't be there when the time comes.
•Getting Her First Period While Away from Home