Excessively worrying about my nearly 10 year old DD
6 answers /
Last post: 17/02/2024 at 12:34 am
For context, I am pregnant wiith my second childwhich may the reason for such heightened feeling, however, I am unsure, that this is just hormones alone.
My daughter, very recently has begun to show the first signs of puberty. Little breast buds, and then 6 or so weeks later, very fine pubic and underarm hair - barely notiable, it just looks like leg hair so not sure if it counts as pubes, but there's def some big changes going on. SHe is also getting heavy discharge more or less everyday and compains of rando tummy cramps.
She is tiny, only 4ft4, weights 4st2 (60 pounds) and super slim. It's a struggle to get her to eat much at all.
I took her to GP yesterday for a suspected urine infection who told me to get ready as her periods could be starting imminently!
I am SUPER worried about her period being round the corner? Could this be the case? The GP says it isnt unsual. But she is so small still. I've read that at most girls only grow 4 more inches after their period starts, meaning she would only be 4ft8 in adult height. I am 5ft6, my partner 5ft8. Whilst she is never going to be tall, I hoped for her to reach at least 5ft so she can but adult clothes etc.
I also spoke to a private paediatric endrocrinlogist who advised bringing her in to check she is not going through precocious puberty and confirmed that girls tend to only grow a max. of 10cm after menarche,
I was hoping he would tell me I was worrying unnecessarily!
I also dont want to cause her to worry or think there is an issue by taking her to see him if there isnt!
Not just ths, I worry for her general health if she starts so early and is not properly nourished and her growth is stunted.
As well as all this worry, I am deeply sad to see her grow up as I am so worried for her teen years, I know these are inevitable but I assumed we had at least a couple years left of her being a little girl before these horrendous hormones and changes kick in. I have not shown her my sadness or worry, I keep it all in. But I am struggling big time.
If anyone has any advice or experiences to share, I would be very appreciative. She will be ten at the end of March. My only daughter as I am pregnant with a boy next which also brings a whole load of worries, but she is forefront at the moment!
Thanks again :-)
Hi Emily
I'm Catherine, one of the Parent Supporters at Netmums. Thanks for sharing with us. You're worried that your 9 year old may be approaching puberty. Puberty and periods can feel like a big milestone for young people and parents but there is lots of more advice and resources available than there used to be. You might like to explore the resources on Childline which has lots of info for young people : Puberty | Childline. Hopefully some of our lovely community will also be along too offer advice and support.
Best wishes
Catherine
She is small and very light for a nine year old. I would try to worry less about the imminency of her periods and try to encourage a healthier level of nourishment if you can. Perhaps you can get advice about milk shake type supplements or something similar. Nine year olds in increasing numbers are starting periods and primary schools are geared up for this. Find out who is in charge of pastoral care at your daughter’s school, if you’re not sure and make enquiries. They should help to put your mind at rest.
Good luck with it all and enjoy your baby when he arrives. 😊😊
Please don't worry my daughter is 9 and has had breast and hair since she was 8years old. She has now started her period.
It's normal at the age of 10 most of my daughters friend all started at 10 in year 6 and my daughter started in year 7 at 11 . She had the hair everywhere and boobs from age 10 she started a year later in year 7 she's now year 8. It's very normal to start from age 10.
Make sure she's eating healthy meals and no matter how tall she is people still start periods my girl has shot up she's about 5 ft 4 now she was about 4 ft something when started periods they do still grow x
Same with my oldest, she too is 9, boobs and pubes growing😵, no period yet but has started having some discharge😵
getting the bathroom stocked up on period supplies ready😟