And that brings up The Talk. We're seeing girls beginning physical development earlier. But it's not as if we're going to start teaching every third grader about puberty, because they don't need it. Herman-Giddens feels fourth or fifth grade is too late, particularly for black girls. That would make sense.
Some experts take a broader view.
I think parents should talk to their kids about puberty and sexuality because the media images are so distorted. If early breast development provides an opportunity to do that, it's a blessing.