Children with central precocious puberty, or CPP, have to cope with more than just the changes to their bodies. The feeling of being different from other kids, especially at young ages, often affects the way they view themselves. The good news is you can help foster happiness and well-being through adolescence with the right treatment plan and support.

Your child may feel self-conscious about the physical effects of precocious puberty. Kids don’t want to stand out or be different. Offer simple, candid explanations about the changes they’re having. Stress that even though they’re experiencing puberty early, it’s still a normal process other kids will go through later on.

Be watchful for signs your child might be being teased or having other problems that affect them emotionally. Alert your child’s care team if:

• Your child is losing interest in everyday things they used to enjoy.
• Their grades are dropping.
• You see signs of depression.
• You catch wind of issues at school.
   

When a child enters precocious puberty, others may think – and treat them as if – they’re older and more mature than they really are. Remind people as needed. Allow your child to join in on age-appropriate activities like sports, extracurriculars, and sleepovers. Meanwhile, keep the lines open for your child to discuss concerns.

Your child will mirror your own values and attitudes. Be sure to:

• Focus on non-physical qualities, such as good sportsmanship or humor
• Not make comments about your, your child’s, or others’ outward appearance
• Praise academic, sports, and other achievements
• Show enthusiasm for their interests
   

You – and your child – don’t have to do it alone. Their medical team, including nurses and psychologists, can help your child understand and accept the changes and feelings they’re having. In addition to supporting your child, they also can teach them coping strategies and help boost self esteem.

A good therapist can help bridge parent-child communication gaps that form during puberty. Meanwhile, you can model coping skills for your child. These can include:

• Journaling
• Taking a walk 
• Deep breathing and mindfulness exercises
• Having playtime with a pet
• Practicing positive self-talk
• Seeking personal space when needed
• Putting on some music
   

As you model healthy behaviors, explain why you’re doing them, preferably in advance. If you need a few minutes to yourself, tell your child it’s not because of them, but that you need space to process your own feelings. Older kids respond well to a technique called narration. Instead of telling a distressed child to calm down, tell them what you’re going to do to compose yourself.

It’s key to find media representation for all kids who have certain differences or health challenges. An internet search will turn up books about kids who go through early puberty. Reviews can help you sort out what’s appropriate for your child. Your family can enjoy and talk about the topics portrayed together.

If your child is having problems at school or other activities like sports, take up the matter with the teacher, coach, or person in charge. They might be able to make the situation better. It can also help change their view if they believe your child is older or more mature than they really are.

Kids who have CPP often have sexual feelings and questions before those without the condition. It can be emotionally distressing for a child to have a sex drive or go through sexual development early. You might need to discuss sexual changes a lot earlier than you’d planned. It’s smart to keep an ear out for concerns and questions.

If your child is being teased, you can help them handle it by:

• Not overreacting. Help your child feel confident they can deal with it.
• Encouraging your child to hang with kids who make them feel good about themselves.
• Arming your child with possible responses. This might include ignoring the teasing, saying “so?” to show indifference, or turning a rude comment into a compliment.

If the teasing goes on or becomes harassment, alert administrators.