What Are the Downfalls of Teens Who Mature Too Early?

During the teen years your child, according to the pediatric pros at the KidsHealth website, will go through a series of changes that involve both outward development -- such as growing hair in new places -- as well as inward, more emotional ones. While these changes are normal during adolescence, some teens may mature -- looking more like adults than children -- earlier on than others. Early-maturing teens may feel awkward, try to act more adultlike or fall prey to other similar downfalls.

  1. Parents and Starting Puberty

    • Before understanding how early maturation can negatively affect your teen, learning about the key signs of puberty is key. Although, as a teen, you went through puberty yourself, it's likely that you may not remember the exact timing of the events. Boys, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics' Healthy Children website, may begin showing the signs of secondary sex characteristics, such as developing pubic hair, as early as when they reach 10 years old. Girls may start showing physical changes, such as developing breasts, the AAP notes, between the ages of 7 and 13. Additionally, keep in mind that puberty doesn't only usher in new changes for the teen, but also will cause some form of upheaval for the parents. You may begin to feel somewhat uncomfortable about your child's mature and adultlike body or his new needs for increased privacy.

    Appearance

    • As a grade schooler or middle schooler your child may have a certain picture of what she will look like as a teen. Whether it's a vision that she'll have the exact same appearance as her popular older sister or an image from the media -- such as her favorite teen TV character or a pop star -- chances are that she'll find her early maturation does not meet up with this idealized notion of adolescent appearance. If your teen's body isn't turning out as she expected, or her formerly crystal clear skin is now marked with pimples, puberty means that your child is developing a new outward appearance. The resulting negative self-image may mean that your newly turned teen is at an early risk for emotional issues or body image disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia. Talk with your teen openly about these early changes, letting her know that everyone is different and matures at a different rate. Praise her positive points and discuss how every teen -- even the seemingly perfect ones -- feels insecure or awkward about their appearance at times.

    Questions

    • The changes that your teen is going through -- especially when they come early -- may make him question what exactly is going on with his body. While you may have had a plan to speak with him about puberty, early maturation may result in you missing this opportunity before major developments begin. This could cause extra anxiety or worry over the process of puberty for your teen or make him feel like he isn't "normal." The child development experts at KidsHealth suggest that parents talk to their kids early on, before puberty takes hold. If you are noticing that your child's body is changing -- even at an earlier age than you expected -- strike up a conversation with him about what he is going through. This can make the difference between a confused, scared child and a knowledgeable teen.

    Sexuality

    • Today's teens, according to the AAP, are receiving an array of images that feature sexualized experiences, actions and ideals from media sources such as the Internet, TV, movies and advertisements. An early-maturing teen may have the new body, and hormonal urges, to engage in sexual behaviors, but most likely isn't emotionally ready. Communicate openly with your teen about sex, saying "no" and including the consequences of early actions. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that in the year 2011 alone over 329,700 teens gave birth. Talking to your young teen about sex early on is a must when it comes to educating her on making smart, informed decisions.

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