Just as there are important physical milestones that indicate children are developing normally, there are also important emotional milestones that are necessary for healthy development. When a child talks, walks, potty trains or rides a bike, parents see those accomplishments as exciting and brag-worthy. But what about when a child accomplishes a sense of safety, self-confidence and self-acceptance?  We don’t typically cheer for or even notice these emotional milestones, but they are critical to healthy development, which includes developing healthy sexuality.

Puberty at age seven? Normal? The research is telling us that seven is the new eleven when it comes to girls and puberty. But I have a feeling Mother Nature is not entirely on board with this one. Neither am I.

Puberty is inevitable, but every girl has a unique experience and handles it in her own way. You can help make it a positive experience by helping your daughter know what to expect and reassuring her that some of the weirdness is actually normal!
To help her (and you) know what’s coming, here’s a brief overview of “the order of things”