Puberty Alarms: Red Flags Pediatricians Urge You Not to Ignore

15. New Fixations: Appearance and Self-Image

Tweens entering puberty may suddenly start spending extra time in front of mirrors, obsessing over outfits, or asking if they “look weird.” This isn't vanity—it’s self-awareness catching up with biology. Pediatricians note that as body changes accelerate, so does a child’s internal commentary. They're learning to see themselves differently, often with a mix of fascination and discomfort. These early body image concerns can shape long-term self-esteem, so tread carefully. Avoid teasing or dismissing their concerns. Instead, offer affirming language about strength, health, and individuality. Help them build a mirror that reflects confidence—not just features. Puberty isn’t just physical—it’s deeply psychological.

16. Sudden Sensitivity to Justice or Injustice

Your tween may start noticing—and reacting strongly to—fairness, cruelty, or hypocrisy in ways they didn’t before. Pediatricians see this as a sign of maturing moral reasoning, where abstract thinking meets emotional intensity. Whether it’s indignation over a teacher’s rule, concern about climate change, or defending a peer, this new sensitivity can seem dramatic—but it’s developmentally appropriate. Their brains are making room for ethics, empathy, and purpose. Parents can support this shift by encouraging thoughtful debate, volunteering together, or simply listening when your child wrestles with “why the world is like this.” It’s messy—but it’s also the making of character.