God designed people to grow and mature physically, mentally, and emotionally. This all happens pretty fast, however, once puberty sets in changes advance at an alarming rate. As you may remember from biology (many years ago), hormones kick in and parents begin to wonder what happened to their little girl or boy.

 

In fact, puberty seems to be arriving early and early. According to medical data and studies, “They found that in 1860, the average age of the onset of puberty in girls was 16.6 years. In 1920, it was 14.6; in 1950, 13.1; 1980, 12.5; and in 2010, it had dropped to 10.5. Similar sets of figures have been reported for boys, albeit with a delay of around a year.” http://www.theguardian.com/society/2012/oct/21/puberty-adolescence-childhood-onset. The studies have not found a cause for this earlier onset of puberty, but there are speculations that it may be related to changes of diet and nutrition.

 

Unfortunately there is no pause button! God pre-programmed your children to begin the process of maturing at a certain time. It may be different for each one of your kids. The good news is, that as Christian parents with God’s Word, you also have the resources and responsibility to guide them through.

 

Remember, just because they look older doesn’t mean that their emotional, mental, and spiritual development is keeping up. Give them grace, just as God gave (and gives) you! Be careful to not set unrealistic expectations on them too soon.

 

“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 (ESV)

 

I’m praying with you and for you. Please let me know how I can serve you and your family.