Ep 52 Middle Childhood: How to tell if your child is in pre-puberty, with Dr. Sheryl Ziegler

2023-01-09

Has your child been moody, irritable, distant, and maybe even a little smelly? If so, they may be in pre-puberty (aka Middle Childhood). I discuss with author, therapist, and podcast host Dr. Sheryl Ziegler what we can do as parents to help guide our children through these challenging times, and why so many of us are under that false misconception that puberty doesn’t “hit “until 13 yrs. old. In researching for her next forthcoming book, she explains that puberty can start at age 7 or 8 years old—which was a surprise to me! Have a listen and get some insights and resourc...

Has your child been moody, irritable, distant, and maybe even a little smelly?

If so, they may be in pre-puberty (aka Middle Childhood).

I discuss with author, therapist, and podcast host Dr. Sheryl Ziegler what we can do as parents to help guide our children through these challenging times, and why so many of us are under that false misconception that puberty doesn’t “hit “until 13 yrs. old.

In researching for her next forthcoming book, she explains that puberty can start at age 7 or 8 years old—which was a surprise to me! Have a listen and get some insights and resources to make your child’s pre-puberty something to celebrate rather than “get through”.

Show Notes

(02:20) Sheryl explains the concept of "middle childhood" and why puberty seems to have an earlier onset now

(06:09) The problems with body image and weight seem to be on the rise much earlier than before

Dr. Sheryl explains the changing aspects of puberty and how our changing environment has had profound impacts on the younger population's mental health and bodily health

(07:49) The relationship between dairy products and hormonal changes

(09:35) The problem of parents being shamed due to their kids experiencing early onset puberty, particularly when it comes to the issue of overweight kids

(11:31) Middle childhood is often overlooked as an important stage in early development

(15:05) Both the girls and the boys would benefit from this gap in their education being filled

(20:31) Some signs of early puberty: increased emotionality, increased withdrawal

(22:57) Resources to look into for parents who are in the thick of it with their kids: Books "The Care and Keeping of You" book "Decoding Boys"

(31:25) As parents, how we can be examples for our kids when fighting issues of body shaming

(34:01) Closing thoughts

Sheryl’s links:

drsherylziegler.com

Book- Mommy Burnout

Podcast: Conversations With Transparentcy

IG- https://www.instagram.com/drsherylziegler/

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