Normal development age of little girls

Puberty refers to the physiological development process from childhood to old age. It is also the process in which the growth and development of the reproductive organs in the fetus has gone through a static stage (i.e. childhood) and then moves towards maturity. Girls at this stage have unique physiological and psychological aspects.

(1) Physiological characteristics: From birth to the age of 8 to 9, although there are differences in internal and external sexual organs between males and females, the estrogen concentration in the body is very low because the function of sex hormones in both males and females is suppressed. Although height and weight grow rapidly, there is no individual difference.

After the average age of 11 (range 9-12 years old), girls' secondary sexual characteristics begin to develop gradually, which is manifested in the breasts beginning to protrude, the nipples gradually enlarge, and the pigmentation gradually increases; pubic hair and axillary hair begin to appear in the private parts and armpits. It takes about 4 years (range 1.5-6 years) for girls' secondary sexual characteristics to appear and develop. At the same time, the melanin on the labia majora and minora skin on both sides gradually increased and slowly expanded, and milky white secretions began to appear. The internal organs also grow and develop at the same time. For example, the vagina becomes longer and larger, the mucosa becomes thicker and more wrinkled, the fallopian tubes become larger and thicker, and the uterus becomes larger. The average age of menstruation is around 13 years old (10-16 years old), which is called the first menstruation. After another 2 to 5 years, ovulation will occur, and the reproductive function will be restored.

Girls' puberty also has two main characteristics: First, from about 9 and a half years old, girls' height growth suddenly accelerates, with a peak of 6 to 8 cm per year, and then slowly slows down until the epiphyseal line closes and there is no more growth. By around 18 years old, the height can reach about 25 cm. Secondly, the accumulation of body fat decreases, especially in the hips and buttocks, while the pelvis and hip bones also become wider, forming a gentle figure with female curves. This series of changes in physical shape indicate that a girl is gradually growing into a beautiful girl.

The onset of puberty varies depending on genetic factors, health level, health status, regional climate, altitude, socioeconomic development conditions, and lifestyle. Generally speaking, girls' puberty growth and development begins 1 to 2 years earlier than boys. In recent years, the age of menarche among girls in many countries has tended to be earlier, which is related to the gradual improvement of social and economic development and the living standards. Girls who are moderately thin or obese, malnourished, or over-exercise usually have a delayed menarche; conversely, girls with mild to moderate obesity usually have an earlier menarche.

(2) Psychological characteristics: Psychologically, girls begin to develop vague ideas after the age of 10. They begin to be interested in the differences between the sexes and the relationship between men and women, and their appreciation and admiration for the opposite sex also begin to grow. To put it simply, "the age of youth" describes this stage.

After the age of 15 to 16, the secondary sexual characteristics begin to grow and develop physiologically, and the psychological state also becomes further improved. They begin to think of themselves as adults. They demand independence, require others (including parents) to respect themselves, treat themselves fairly, want to make friends independently, learn to think about problems and have their own small world of activities. At the same time, they also hope to have core communication with female friends, develop affection for the opposite sex, and even gradually have demands for love and sex. However, their mental state is still immature, their mentality is very unstable, their personality, temperament, and ideas are very flexible, and they are easily influenced by social trends, friends around them, movies, television, literature and other communication tools.

Girls at this stage have rapid physical and brain development. This is the stage when their intelligence and talent can develop rapidly. It is the starting point of their career development and the most critical and valuable link in their life journey. Therefore, it is very necessary to carry out education for them to establish ideals and dreams, and guide them to focus their main energy on enriching their real abilities. At this stage, we should also carry out positive education on gender knowledge, sexual morality and laws and regulations; help them establish a correct outlook on life and moral values, and lay a good foundation for their future work and life.