If a child and her family aren't coping well, hormone treatment may be considered, the guidelines say. And that brings up The Talk. We're seeing girls beginning physical development earlier. 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.