Beware of Early Maturation in Children During Winter Break

Author: Unknown; Reviewer: Unknown; Curator: Unknown; Production/Organizational Information: Unknown. Title: Beware of Early Maturation in Children During Winter Break. Introduction: Precocious puberty signals endocrine issues in kids. Parents should act quickly during winter break for timely examination and intervention. Keywords: ['Child health', 'Growth and Development']

Children who are not yet of age may gradually experience changes such as voice deepening, breast development, the growth of pubic hair, and a rapid increase in weight. Parents should be vigilant, as this could be a sign of precocious puberty! Experts in growth and development remind that the winter holiday is a golden period for screening children for precocious puberty and implementing interventions. Don't miss the opportunity for intervention due to misconceptions. Precocious puberty in children is a common endocrine developmental disorder, clinically defined as the onset of secondary sexual characteristics before the age of 8 in girls and before the age of 9 in boys. Its development is closely related to genetic factors, nutritional surplus, blind supplementation, staying up late, and mental stress. During winter break, children's irregular schedules and increased snacking habits can more easily trigger or exacerbate symptoms. How can parents detect if their child is experiencing precocious puberty? The symptoms of precocious puberty are specific, and parents can timely catch abnormal signals through careful daily observation. Typical symptoms in girls include breast development before 1.8 years of age, with the presence of hard lumps and tenderness upon touch, early growth of pubic hair, armpit hair, and pigmentation of the vulva, and early onset of menarche. Typical symptoms of boys include the testicles and penis becoming larger and thicker before the age of 1.9 years, the early appearance of pubic hair, armpit hair, and facial hair, as well as a deepening and hoarse voice, and the occurrence of nocturnal emissions. What should I do if I discover precocious puberty? Surveys indicate that the rate of precocious puberty in girls is significantly higher than in boys. If precocious puberty is not addressed in a timely manner, it can lead to early closure of the bones, affecting adult height, and may also cause children to develop negative feelings such as low self-esteem and anxiety, posing a threat to their mental health. However, interventions must adhere to professional assessments and treatment principles tailored to the symptoms. Once any abnormal behaviors in the child are detected, it is essential to visit a reputable hospital’s growth and development department for diagnosis and treatment. Do not make judgments or handle the situation blindly on your own. Parents can do the following in their daily lives: Regular Monitoring: It is recommended to establish a growth and development record starting at the age of three, and to conduct bone age assessments and comprehensive evaluations of growth and development every six months to a year. Reasonable Diet: Maintain a balanced diet, reduce the intake of fried foods, sugary drinks, and supplements, and avoid excessive nutrition. Health Care: Create a relaxed family atmosphere, avoid putting excessive pressure, and guide children away from adult-themed movies and books. Regular Routine: Encourage children to go to bed early and wake up early, ensuring they get enough sleep, and arrange a sufficient amount of outdoor activities every day. Precocious puberty has a profound impact on children's height development and mental health, and early intervention can maximize their growth potential. The winter vacation provides ample time, without hindering daily studies, making it an opportune moment to address any developmental issues with children. Take advantage of this winter break to take your child to the growth and development department for a comprehensive check-up. Early detection, early diagnosis, and early intervention can help your child avoid developmental risks and navigate puberty smoothly and healthily.