Introduction
The experience of puberty and the attendant consequence as before the age of eight for girls and nine or nine and a half for boys require parental attendance for guidance, advice and control. Late maturation equally demand attention but has no precise time of onset. Broadly, Individual pubertal maturation are primarily influenced by the genetic factors, however, external factors of nutrition and health play a secondary role. In some girls, it comes with more control, acceptance in adult or peer culture and general ascendance in status in the broader society.
Early maturing children
Precious puberty is a common condition of the growth process. However, parental intervention is necessary in light of the social, physiological and psychological challenges it might present to the victim. They need to understand the probable causes of the experience for the purposes of intervention. The early maturing boys are more content with their bodies than late maturing boys particularly among boys who develop body height as well as athletic body. Early maturing girls tend to exude dissatisfaction with their bodily appearance due to their being teased by colleagues and parents (Fables & Carol 84).
Obesity
Nutritional status of the infant leading to overweight is a probable trigger of early sexual development as documented by (Fables et al. 190). Kaplowitz (2004) further argues that, a body weight of 106 pounds is a probable cause of the experience of early menarche. In addition, a hormone, leptin, is a frequent cause of the onset of early maturity. Encourage the child to engage in active sports, ration the consumption of junk food, and advocate walking often (145).
Socialization factors
The child’s relations with the parents often concur with the timing of puberty. Also high levels of stress in the family triggers early experience of sexual maturity. Moreover, prolonged absence of the father and presence of a man, who is not the girls parent would trigger early puberty (Kaplowitz 150). Also exposure of the girls to intense overt sexuality in the media tends to trigger early experience of puberty. It’s good to restrict exposure of the girls to adult males, encourage the presence of the father, and control exposure to overt sexuality in the media.
Contamination
Prenatal exposure or in the environment to polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) is a trigger of early puberty. Moreover, the presence of Phthalate esters in the blood has led to early breast development.The use of some estrogen containing ointments or oils lead to the consequent biological activity. Caution against exposure of children to the use of such ointments is advisable (Fables et al 210).
Late maturing children
The late maturing boys experience inadequacy in school and other social circumstances since they rarely fit in with the peers in sports that involve physical strength, psychological stress as a result of their size. It’s appropriate to avail opportunity for activities and hobbies that involve minimal physical traits as bike riding, hunting and fishing. Children require emotional support as many would feel as outcasts. They could be made aware of their unique attributes. Moreover the family could be more cordial for motivation purposes. Late maturity has been associated with lower anger, eating disturbance and low self esteem particularly in boys.
Conclusion
Adolescence is a wonderful time in the development of personality and preparation for adult roles. It should be stressed to the parents to promote health enhancing behavior and shun the attendant dangers of a compromise on the same. This is achievable by developing trust, talking openly about health practices and consistently offering advice whenever sought.
Works Cited
Fables, Richard and Carol Martin. Exploring Child Development. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
Kaplowitz, Paul. Early Puberty in Girls. Richmond: Balentine Books, 2004.