A study in the August 2010 issue of Pediatrics found that girls are beginning pubertal development at an earlier age compared to girls in previous decades. What does this mean for parents? Start having conversations with your daughters early. They need to know what to expect and what is normal. Often girls will begin with one tender breast bud. It can be scary for them if they’re not expecting it. Many girls will be too afraid to even ask their parents about it. Be proactive. Start the conversation when your child is 9 or 10, and provide a comfortable environment for all of her questions.