Wow. I wonder if there are parts of the country, or more specifics that might give us some clues as to whom this might affect. I certainly see young adolescent girls who appear five to six years older than they are because of their development, but then I see many who look very much like little girls. Is it because some of them are eating differently, living near waste facilities, etc?

Maybe I should read the article.

I couldn’t access the article, but it is of interest to me because despite being raised on an organic, primarily vegetarian diet, and having limited exposure to chemicals in our home, it appears to me that my own daughter seems to be physically maturing much more quickly than most of her peers. The biggest concern for me as a parent, even more than health issues, is having to discuss things with my child that she may not be mentally and emotionally mature enough to fully deal with. I have to admit that I thought our lifestyle would somehow protect us from this issue, but it goes to show what I’ve found to be true about parenting all along- you prepare, prepare, prepare, and it’s the last thing you expect to encounter that sneaks up and bites you in the…you know.

I really wish that chemicals would be allowed into the environment after there is evidence that they are safe, rather than until there is evidence they are not.

Am I a freak for not remembering how old I was when I started menstruating?

You can find it, BB, on the latimes.com website under Health and it’s the feature article. I’ll try linking again, but I think you might need to register “Girl You’ll be a Woman Sooner than You Think.”

Interesting article topic. My sister looked like a teenager around 10 or 11, but it took me decently into junior high (at least 13) for everyone to really notice I was becoming a woman. I think she and I both got our periods around 12; I know that’s when I got mine. That doesn’t bode well for trying to help a young GIRL deal with boys snapping her bra straps, etc.

Indeed, the point at which sexual maturation is defined is rapidly growing earlier and earlier.

The question remains if the pace at which females grow into their womanhood physically correlate to their psychological development. My initial response is no, though I’m sure there are conflicting studies on that very topic out and about right this minutes.