There is some debate on this. The short answer to this question: maybe. It's clear that the starting age for puberty has decreased over the last 150 years, likely related to improved nutrition. Trends in puberty over the last 40 years are less clear .Earlier puberty can be seen in children who were born very small as infants (called small for gestational age), and we don't fully understand why this happens. Obesity is also a risk factor for earlier puberty, in part because body fat is involved in how the body processes hormones like estrogen.

Yes. As youth are growing taller, it's normal to gain weight. Rising amounts of estrogen in the body also cause fat to deposit in the hips and breasts, and the overall percentage of body fat increases in girls as they go through puberty. Weight gain that is more than expected during puberty could be a cause for concern, though. When thinking about healthy lifestyle and weight gain, remember that habits like physical activity and healthy eating develop very early―the same goes for the development of unhealthy food preferences and too much screen time.

In general, most girls get their periods an average of 2 – 2 ½ years after the development of breast buds. The development of breast buds is a great opportunity to talk more about body changes yet to come. Emphasize that periods are normal, are part of having a healthy body, and are nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. Girls may feel apprehensive about painful periods or anxious that their classmates will find out. While every girl is different, a reassuring approach and adequate information can often relieve some of the anxiety girls may feel about periods.

It's much better for your daughter to be informed about her body early on in the process of puberty than to be surprised or even scared as these changes happen. It can also be helpful to have sanitary napkins available ahead of time and explain how to use them before her first period arrives.

Talk openly and honestly about puberty. Answer any questions she may have about the changes in her body.

Offer your daughter opportunities to talk about puberty and the changes that come with it. Talking openly about puberty can help prevent shame and stigma, and may encourage your daughter to be more willing to talk to you about what she is experiencing. However, some kids simply don't want to talk to their parents about this kind of thing, and that's okay too. Make sure your daughter knows that you're available if she has any questions and that she has access to trusted resources for information. These include books and appropriate health education at school.