Puberty Alarms: Red Flags Pediatricians Urge You Not to Ignore

13. Sleep Patterns: The Need for More Rest

Tweens often experience changes in sleep patterns, including a need for more rest due to rapid growth and hormonal shifts. Pediatricians emphasize the importance of establishing a consistent sleep routine to ensure that your child gets adequate rest. Encouraging a regular bedtime, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a calming sleep environment can promote better sleep quality. It's important to recognize the link between sleep and overall well-being, as sufficient rest is crucial for physical health, cognitive function, and emotional balance.

14. Sudden Clumsiness: Growing into a New Body

If your once-graceful child starts bumping into walls, dropping things, or seeming oddly uncoordinated, it might not be carelessness—it could be puberty. Pediatricians explain that rapid growth often outpaces coordination, leaving tweens feeling physically off-balance. As limbs lengthen and center of gravity shifts, their motor skills may temporarily lag behind. The result? More stubbed toes, spilled drinks, and frustrated sighs. Instead of scolding, offer patience—and maybe a yoga mat. Encouraging light movement, stretching, or sports that emphasize balance can help kids adjust to their changing bodies. Most of all, reassure them it’s normal—and temporary. They’re not falling apart. They’re growing up.