"I’m mature for my age, but I’m kinda small. I hate it!”
--QueenKitten
"OK, Shoshana, age 9: You are ONLY allowed to watch G, PG, and PG-13??? When I was your age I could barely even watch PG!!! R means Restricted, and u can't get in alone unless you're 17. And also, QueenKitten, u aren't alone!! I wear size 10 women's shoes!!!!! Don't worry!!!!! :):).”
--MistressOfAllEvil
"I feel so old fashioned when it comes to guys. My friends supposedly have ‘boyfriends.’ When I tell them I've never had a boyfriend, they look at me like I have 3 heads or something. I feel right now is too young to date. When they say ‘I’m going out with someone,’ I’m like, ‘OK, have fun just holding hands.’ That’s all you CAN do!”
--Mary, 11
"I used to think WAAAY too fast, but I think the other girls are starting to catch up. For the past two years, I've been the only girl in my grade with a chest. Now most of them wear bras, too. Also, I have curves, and in the locker room I feel kinda self-conscious. But now my friend Bea is the same height as me (5'3") and she is starting to get curves too! Now I know other girls who shave their legs and armpits, too. It's cool that I’m not the only girl anymore who has started puberty!”
--MistressOfAllEvil
“Kinda. I have been interested in boys since age 8, have my period, and I am 'voluptuous' (D cup, hips, and all that, sorry if I am bragging). My friends don't have big chests but two of my BFFs have their periods. I wear size 6 shoe. But I am kinda short, but my parents are kinda short too so it's just genetics.”
--Livigirl, 12
"Yes I do think I am growing faster than all my friends and peers. In gr2 I was the first to get my chest developed and my hips, chest and more.”
--Sheree, 12
"WAAAY 2 slow 4 me. I mean, there are some girls I know who are my height, but 2 years younger than me. I DO have big feet, though. I’m, like, the only 7th-grade girl I know who wears size 8 women’s shoes. I’m surprised nobody calls me Bigfoot!”
--QueenKitten
"I wear a training bra and use deodorant. But I can only watch G, PG and PG13 flicks (no R). I’m just a fast developer.”
--Shoshana, 9
"Sometimes I feel I’m growing too slow and sometimes I feel I’m growing too fast. What growing slow means for me is that your parents are still treating you like a baby and sometimes you get bad grades. And what growing fast means is that you’re getting way better grades then you just did. Also it means that you’re getting a lot of rewards. When my mom scolds me I think of growing slow and when I am happy I think of growing fast.”
--Hannah
"Ok first off: Zoey, (11) I think you should buy a bra with your own money. Anyway, I think I might be kinda slow. Compared to some kids I’m small. But those kids are really tall. But near some kids I’m giant! By the way, all these kids are in 4th grade like me. But I think I’m slow-just right.”
--Anonymous, 9
"I feel weird about myself. I have to wear women’s bras. And also I like boys and my other friends don't. What do I do?”
--Holle, 11
"WAY too slow!! A lot of my friends r going 2 b 10 soon and I’m stuck being 9. I guess maybe I am just right, but I still feel small. Especially next 2 my bro who’s in his freshman year at high school.”
--Anonymous, 9
"I am way fast. My friends are so flat and are like 60 lbs. I am definitely not fat, I am totally normal, but I am wider in my hips and huge in my chest. I guess everyone matures differently. My friends will catch up, and I won't feel so different. I like the way I am even if I am fast…”
--Kitty, 11
"On a level of maturity smart wise I am great. But on development…well…uggghhh! I am the only one out of my friends who has a bra, and a really big chest. I know they will catch up but I am like waiting for them and it's not happening! But I am ok. I will live. PS: Llamas R cool.”
--Emme, 11
"I think I need to stop growing! I mean like, I’m only 10 and I already have my period, and I fit into my 13-year-old sister’s bra! It’s really no fair.”
--Lilla, 10
"I am so much shorter than everyone. I am going to high school and I’m the height of an 8 year old & all the pants I buy from the juniors section have to be cuffed or my mom cuts it for me. I hate that. I’m only 4'8!!! My mom’s to blame because she is also very short. She's 4'11”…”
--Stephania
"I think that kids are trying to grow up WAY too fast and a good portion of them want to grow up just to drive a car. Come on! A car is not the only thing life is revolved around! There is so much more! I am growing up physically faster then all the girls in my class but I try to take in every moment as a child. Put it this way: you will be a kid for only 18 years and will be an adult the rest of the time you are on this earth! Please do not try to grow up fast. Just act your age!”
--Tasha, 11
"I already am a B cup bra, almost a C, and only me and three of my friends have our periods yet. I already like boys and wear makeup, and some of my friends still like dolls. I've also already had my growth spurt, and now I’m 5'3". I look really weird next to my friend Emma, because she's 4'6", and hasn't started developing yet. It's hard to believe we're the same age! I only know two other people my age who are taller than me. I wish I was shorter and less developed, though, because most strangers think I’m about 15, and it's really embarrassing!”
--MistressOfAllEvil
"I’m more mature than most kids my age. I grew up with a lot of adults, and no other children, so that could be why. Some people call me a snob because I prefer sushi to burgers, but I’m just being me!”
--Lena, 13
"I just started having mood swings and it's driving me crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
--Elise, 11
"I feel I think I’m old enough to make some of my own decisions. I get good grades and don’t do anything wrong with my life and I even do my chores. And I still can’t get what I want. I think I’m responsible enough to get what I want.”
--Delina
"I feel like I’m growing up WAY TOO FAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m one of the 5 tallest kids, and my friends seem so immature and kiddish to me!”
--Lindsay, 10
"I feel like I’m definitely ahead of my peers. I got my first pimple at seven, my first bra at nine, and my first period at ten. It's not fair! But I think it's funny that the first people to develop want to be the last and the last people to develop want to be first.”
--Rosie, 13
"I normally think that I act a lot younger than all my friends. I always act like a wild and crazy little kid. I love hanging out with little kids but I hate playing like house and dolls and that junk. Sometimes I feel like I fit in better with kids that are like in kindergarten.”
--Morgen, 12
"Hmmm...This is a hard question for me. I skipped two grades, so I’m the only girl in my class without my period, and who still has baby teeth. But, I’m also a lot more mature than some people in my class, and WAAAAAAY more mature than the new 7th graders I’m supposed to be with.”
--Jacqueline, 12
"I have some MAJOR catching up to do! :D.”
--'DW', 13
"Well, I feel like both! I eat too slow and then fast is that I grow real tall and I wear bras and I already have breasts even though I am nine and I can watch rated r movies! Only if it is horror movies though, not the other types.”
--Judy, 9
"Well my feet are definitely growing but not the rest of me...I wear size 9 and half in women’s shoes…Grrr…Other than that I've been sloooow, like my boobs for instance! Could they be any smaller?! Ha...I know I'll catch up though...I hope so. O...But I am getting taller, I've grown 2 inches this summer now I’m 5'5". Woo hoo!”
--Anonymous, 13
"I am really overweight and unhappy. I had my period a year ago and I have a BIG chest. All boys do is stare at them when I talk or face them. The boy I like likes me to, but I’m going to a different school and never going to see him again. I am sooo depressed.”
--Miriam, 11
"I got my period when I was 11 and I wear a B cup bra, so it seems like I’m more developed than most other people in my grade. But I’m kinda short, and sometimes I feel like I look younger than most people my age.”
--Hannah, 13
"I feel I’m growing up slower!!!!!:<.”
--DeAnna, 10
"I think I am growing too fast because I have breasts and wear bras and I just had my period. Plus I am the only person in the whole class to have it!”
--Grace, 11
"Yes, everyone in my class still looks their age. I am tall and have a size 7 shoe. I AM ONLY 10!”
--McKenzie, 10
"Yes, I do. I am taller than most girls in my class, and I already wear sports bras, instead of regular bras, even though I’m nine!”
--Kiera, 9
"I think I’m growing up fast in some ways. I have my period, I wear deodorant, and wear bras.”
--Nancy, 11
"Sometimes yes and sometimes no -- at school, I seem to be the only one who doesn't wear a lot of makeup like the other students. I don't get it -- they have boy/girlfriends and the girls wear these tiny clothes and tons of perfume- it makes me feel like I’m in some kind of weird time warp and I’m the normal one...yikes.”
--Kiki
"I feel so weird when I’m with all my friends and I look at them and then me and my chest is soooooooooooooooooo big. I mean, the boys don’t care haaaaaa. But I mean, all my friends hate that they don’t have a chest and I do.”
--Cassie , 13
"I’m growing up far too fast. I’m speeding up. All my friends have a chest, but mine are huge. I have my period too. I have major curves. I’m just addicted to boys and I have been since my 1st boyfriend at age 3.”
--Kaisie, 13
"Grow up. Definitely. I’m a class clown.”
--Sarah
"Well, I am 13 and I've only liked one guy in my entire life! All of my friends think I’m crazy…”
--Hannah, 13
"Well, my chest is quite...how do u say it...flat, but I've had my period before most of my friends, and I seem to act much more mature than them. I’m twelve but many people say I act older.”
--Anonymous, 12
"Yes, I feel I’m sort of skipping and sort of not. I wear bras, and so does my friend Susan, and a couple of other people, but that is it. Then I have not had my period and a lot of people have! That’s where I feel left behind.”
--Anonymous, 11
"Well, I’m growing pretty slow now ‘cause when I was 10 I got my period, and I was growing like crazy! But now I’m at 5'1 and like 95 pounds, with a B-cup bra. But my mom thinks I should be wearing a C and that just upsets me and I have no idea why.”
--Allison , 12
"I’m growing up too fast because I have my period (at 11), I have a bra, I’ve liked guys since I was 6, I have hips, and I wear makeup.”
--Tam, 11
"Well, I don't know. I am one of the smartest kids in my class. But I don't feel like I am growing up too fast because of that. I am more mature than most of my friends, especially the ones who talk about people behind their backs. This friend thinks that physical growing up is nasty. I am really curvy for my age and it kind of bugs me when she says that.”
--Kitty, 11
"I think I’m growing up too fast. Everyone thinks I’m a little seven year old who doesn't know anything when I’m really ten that knows a lot.”
--LeeAnn, 10
"I think I’m growing fast , but everyone else thinks I’m growing slow because I’m usually the youngest person wherever I go, and the shortest. People think that when I wear my glasses I look very grown up and smarter, but they still think I’m a little kid who can't do anything.”
--Andrew, 9
"I don't wanna grow up and have to go through all this stuff, but I have to. I don't like it.”
--Kathryn, 13
"Oh, I am in puberty right now. I have facial hair (but my mom won’t let me shave it), my voice is cracking now (I sound like a gerbil on helium), and I have kissed five girls so far (the longest lasted for 17 seconds!!!!!!).”
--Josh, 13
"I am only eleven and I am interested in girls!!!!!! I am in a growth spurt at the current time!!!!!”
--Larry, 11
“YESSSSSSS!!!!! I am one of the tallest in the grade (5'3") and I have my period and a C-cup bra. Also I am still going out with my first boyfriend. But he is moving soon so we will need to break up.”
--Maris, 12
"My name is Jake and it seems like everyone in my class is older than me, but I’m in the same grade as them.”
--Jake, 10
"I’m kinda catching up to these two girls who are very tall. I feel like I need to grow taller and everyone says I had a growth spurt, but when I look in a mirror I’m still at the 4-foot 2 mark.”
--Kristen , 9
"I am only eleven and I have an A cup, hips, AND I have started my menstrual cycle (my period). Kids make fun of me because I have acne on my forehead and nose. Girls get jealous and they lift up my shirt to see if my bra is padded. When they discover that it is not, they make fun of me. Boys won't stop looking at my chest and I feel mad. When I ask to be excused from gym because of my cramps, they laugh and say, ‘Ha! and what do you know about periods? You’re just a kid!’ and they make me do gym anyway. Once the cramps were soooo bad I cried. WHAT WILL I DO??????????”
--Anonymous
"I feel that I’m in the middle. My chest isn't large, but it's not small. I feel pretty happy with my body.”
--Em, 10
“I think so, because I am 5' 3, I have curves, and I started my period. Also I have had a steady boyfriend for over a year. Plus I am one of the oldest in the grade.”
--Maris, 12
"Yes! I feel like I should be older than I am. My friends are right there with me growing up too fast.”
--tOtAlLy Me, 13
"Well, I think I’m growing too fast and slow at the same time. I’m the oldest girl in yr 7, but the problem is I’m the 2nd shortest in year 7. I had my puberty this year and my friend had it before me. I act immature for my age. I hate makeup. Overall, I started to think boys are attractive when I was about 10, while my friend started when she was 11 or 12. Is this normal?”
--Sarah, 13
"OK, this is really ironic. I am MUCH more developed than most other girls who are my age that I know, but they all wear bras and I don't. I mean, I HAVE a bra, and my mom would like me to start wearing one, but they feel uncomfortable to me. Besides, I get hot very easily, and to me wearing two layers when it's hot is BLAH.”
--MissYori
"I think that I’m about the same sort of rate as my mates.”
--Jane, 11
"I think I’m growing up a little too fast. I’m way curvier than all my friends and the tallest girl in school. I’m even taller than most of my teachers. Some of my friends are really immature. I first got on my period when I was 11 and my chest is bigger than most of my friends *sigh*.”
--Anonymous, 12
"I have a b-cup and my period.”
--Tori, 11
"My friends say that I’m growing up too fast, and my parents say I’m too immature for my age.”
--Jessica
"I feel like I need to catch up, but I can't do anything about it. All my friends (well some of them) have gone on dates and made out and wear size b or c cup bras. And they've all had their growth spurts too. I’m a late bloomer. I'll get my growth spurt when I’m 16 or something.”
--Melanie, 13
"In some ways, I feel like I need to catch up, either because I’m short, I’m a year younger, or maybe it's because I've never had a boyfriend. In other ways, I feel like I am growing faster, either because I am becoming wiser, I am looking older, and I feel more mature.”
--Stephanie, 13
"OMG, does anyone here besides me use deodorant? ‘Cuz no one is talking about it, but I think it’s a big part of puberty! If u do, what kind do u use, and when did u start? My parents like me 2 use Tom’s of Maine ‘cuz it’s ‘all natural’ but it doesn’t really work, so I 'borrow' their Arid XX. Oh yeah, I started using it when I was 9.”
--Anonymous
"I feel like I’m growing up fast because: a. I have an adult brain, b. I know a lot of terms, c. I can wait 4 hours, d. I have curves, e. I dance really good and sing good and finally, f. I've been through a lot!!!!!!!!!”
--Alexandra, 10
"I don't know. I have a big chest but I haven't had my period yet.”
--Depressedkid, 11
"I am in the 6th going to 7th. I’m the shortest person and have my period. I do wear a bra, but I feel I need to do both. I act real immature sometimes, but I act more mature than mostly all my classmates. They act older then their ages.”
--Renee, 12
"No, I feel I’m growing just right. :).”
--Jewl, 13
"I kinda think that I’m slightly ahead of everyone else in sixth grade at my school. I’m not the oldest, but I am the fourth tallest person, male and female, and I sing bass in the school Madrigal Singers (honor choir). The basses are the dudes who sing the really low guy's part. I’m the only sixth grader to ever be in Mads in its thirteen years of existence. My cousins even thought I was an eighth grader, and all my friends think I look like a seventh grader.”
--Dean, 12
"I am way, and I mean way, curvier than all of my friends. It bugs me, because my friend does not want to grow up and develop. It's nice too know there are other kids out there who feel the same way as I do, thanks to IML!!!!”
--Anonymous, 11
"I am more mature than my friends in a lot of ways. I’m more conscious about the problems in the world and what to do about them. I also know when it's ok to laugh and not to laugh. My friends will laugh at anything (Once my friend laughed at a video we were watching about Civil Rights!).”
--Maya, 13
"I feel like I grow faster (hit puberty earlier) than some of my friends, but slower than others. I feel like most of my friends grow slower than me. A lot of times I act younger, though.”
--Anonymous
"I had a bra when I was 9, and mom already wants to start talking to me about some of the changes going on in my life.”
--Mia, 12
"I think I am too slow, and too fast in a way. My chest area isn't getting larger, but I've gotten my period and hair is growing under my arms.”
--Anonymous
"You should not be you vs. your peers when it comes to appearance. Who knows? You could end up prettier.”
--Helena, 13
"I think I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”
--Anonymous, 10
"I already had my period, I wear bras, and I hit puberty when I was 9!”
--Vanessa, 10
"I am progressing normally, but a lot of my friends are getting older WAY too fast. There's a specific friend that I have to rein in when she goes too fast with a boy. I am progressing faster than most of my friends on the intellectual level, and height (just height). My friends are also faster than me ‘puberty-wise.’”
--Tyler, 13
"I'm already in puberty, and people think I stuff my bra."
--Confusedgirl, 10
"Well I'm 11, and I hit puberty about 2 yrs ago."
--Anonymous, 11
"I feel like none of them! I feel like I am just the same as my peers, thank you very much!"
--Sara, 8
"I'd say faster, because I'm in 5th grade and I wear a bra (and I actually have a chest to put in it), use deodorant (my pits smell really bad if I don't!), and got my period when I was 10. Oh yeah, and I shave my pits (they get really hairy if I don't!)."
--Anonymous, 11
"Both. I'm really immature sometimes, other times I really act mature (and I also um, started my period this year, EARLY. How early? Oh, let's say February)."
--Brittany, 11
"I feel both. Because I act more mature than everyone in my class, but I haven't done anything (like start my period). That makes it worse!”
--Kelsey, 12
"I feel like I am growing up faster than everybody because I am like the oldest kid in the 6th grade and I am only 13 years old.”
--Danielle , 13
"I’m the shortest kid in my grade. People think I’m in kindergarten!!!”
--Abigail, 9
"People at school are always criticizing me. I don’t like that. They compare me to them. They say that I am fat, although I weigh 75 lbs and I am in the sixth grade. My friends and other people have skinny little bodies and they weigh 85-95 lbs. I have… well I look sort of FAT. Because of them I don’t eat and then my parents find out because I don’t eat. I am very depressed about this and other things, but I have no one to talk to because my sister never talks to me, and I don’t feel comfortable talking to anyone else about my depression.”
--Stephanie, 11
“I have a chest and got my period when I was 11. I have had 2 zits. I like to do kid stuff once in a while, like watch cartoons. But I had a boyfriend in 5th grade and that was sort of weird, since only some of the girls were even interested in boys.”
--Olivia, 12
"I’m growing a lot faster then any of my friends, not in height but mentally. I had to force myself to, and have lost most of my childhood, which I will never get back. I like to goof around and stuff but they don't understand. I’m depressed a lot because my mom has a disease and is slowly going insane, like my grandmother. I can't talk to my friends about it, and I feel that I can't relate to anyone.”
--Cory, 13
"I think I’m just a little slow. I’m scared to ask my mom to get a bra (I think 9-11 is a bit young for boyfriends). Well anyway, I want a bra but I’m just scared to ask.”
--Zoey, 11
"Body wise, I am faster. Brain wise, I’m in the middle. I enjoy all the cool 'teen' stuff, but I still like to go on my neighbor’s swing set sometimes. I also like to watch cartoons, but I watch 'The O. C.' and 'Degrassi' too.”
--Olivia, 12
"I think I’m growing up too fast mind wise, which isn’t the best. But it’s my life, so its up to me to change it or start liking it. But I have to accept myself first. I’m good at talking about it, but doing it is something different.”
--Meera, 13
"I feel that I am going faster than some of my friends in terms of Bf's, but I’m kinda shorter and a lot more ‘developed’ in some areas than other girls.”
--Kamiyah, 12
"Everyone around me wants to have a boyfriend (or girlfriend) but I could honestly care less. I have better things to do. I mean, why do they care so much?”
--Kaitlyn
"I feel like I’m speeding ahead because out of my 6 friends I was first to get a bra and the only one with my period. But unfortunately we all have pimples.”
--Amy, 10
"I think both, because I don’t wear a bra and I haven't had my period, but I am the most mature person in my class and have developed WAY more than the others and am way taller, but I think that I am kinda both.”
--Maddy, 10
"I feel like everyone is way ahead of me but I don’t want to be where they are at though. All people care about at school is having a boyfriend and putting on make-up or shopping at what they call are cool stores like Hollister, Pacsun, AF, AE, and Aero! But I’m fine with how I am!”
--Amanda, 12
"I am growing kind of slow compared to other girls my age or even a couple of girls that are younger than me in certain areas, but not in height.”
--Jessica, 12
"I don't really care. I think I’m kinda in the middle.”
--Stevie, 10
"I just go day by day ‘cuz most of my friends are 17. But I do have a few friends around my age and I just know some people mature faster than others.”
--Danielle, 12
"I feel like I need to catch up. I wear dresses when everybody wears T-shirts. I wear my hair in braids and everybody lets their hair loose. Everybody (almost everybody) goes to concerts while I stay home with my family. I feel that I’m slow on growing, but I pretty much enjoy growing slow.”
--Nancy, 11
"I think I am growing faster. I am taller than most of my friends (and most the boys!). I wish I would stop growing, but then, I like being tall!”
--Alyssa, 13
"I think, I’m just right, and I’m proud to be where I am, because we have a lot of sick-os in my middle school, and I don't want them staring in the wrong direction. Plus I don't want to grow up. But I guess the reason I’m happy is because I don't compare to anybody else, so of course I'll be happy to be me! :-).”
--Astrid, 12
"I think that I’m getting taller faster than some others, because there's only like, one other girl in my class who's taller. (My best friend and I have the exactly same height, honestly.) I think that I’m also gaining weight faster, too. But on the other hand, I’m a little slow in the ‘other’ changes. All my friends are probably ahead of me.”
--Irene, 10
"I feel like I’m growing up faster than my friends. Since I’m a girl, there is some stuff that can't be mentioned because it's too private (I think all girls know what I am talking about). I wear clothes from stores that my friend's don't, such as Hollister, Abercrombie and Aeropostale. And I know all of the lyrics to really cool songs like 1, 2 Step, Mockingbird, Candy Shop, and all other songs that are on 101. 3 (that's the radio station that plays really cool songs like that in my city). I already have a boyfriend! It's just weird.”
--Devin, 10
"Definitly fast. Notice I don't say too fast. I am more mature than people in 7th grade. Everyone is still into hopscotch and hand games. Come on! I have a few friends who are closer to my maturity. But still, they've never had boyfriends.”
--Bridget, 11
"I’m a bit slower than the average of my friends but that's OK since I want to see them go through it first!”
--Casey, 10
"I’m growing real fast and have been forever. I've always been mature physically & mentally! I mean I've never gone out with guys less than four months. I think it's better to be like that and not like ‘ok you today and you tomorrow!’”
--Mercedes, 13
"Slower. All my friends have boyfriends and I don’t. All the boys think I am pretty but I am short, well compared to all the other 6th graders. So, yes and no.”
--Dolphingurl11, 11
"I’m growing fast because that's how I grow but my friend Dale is only 10 and he's taller because he grew up in a tall family. Well, his brothers Gene and Andrew are taller because they were born before him, but I still like them because they are very nice and helpful in their own ways.”
--Carly, 11
"I feel just right how I am!”
--Tasha, 10
“Most of my friends have only had girlfriends for a month or two. I have been going out with this one girl named Keara for a year. I think I am growing up faster. Anyway peace out Joe, Aidan, and Bradley! LUV U KEARA!"
--Liam
"I am growing fast and getting taller too but some of the people, like my cousins and friends, are taller then me. I have a cousin in my family. She is 17 years old and she is taller then my other cousins and her name is Alexandra. My friend has the same name as her but she is also taller then me.”
--Carly, 10
"Well, I have my period, and I’m 11.”
--Linda, 11
"I am growing slow but I am now getting taller. I am still smaller then other kids, because I didn't grow as fast as they did. I am taller than some kids but not that much, just some.”
--Carly, 10
"Both. Most of my friends have BFs, but I don't. Then again, I’m a lot taller than most of my friends.”
--Mia, 12
"I think I’m fine, as long as I remember not to compare myself to anybody else!”
--Viviann, 11
"All of these stories are about girls but boys mature too. How about them!!!”
--Tyler, 12
“I think that I am growing up a little bit slow. Cause I’m not as tall as other seventh grade people and there are some people that are shorter than me. So I’m kinda in the middle!”
--Cecey, 13
“Well I have my period, wear a bra, wear junior size clothes, wear a size 9-10 shoe, have had pimples, I’m 5 ft. 1 in. But I have not been kissed, been on a date, had a boyfriend, and other stuff I can't think of.”
--Anonymous, 11
“I sometimes feel I am growing too fat and fast. Other times I want to grow quicker to learn how to deal with certain things in a girl’s life.”
--Samantha, 10
“I don't really know if I’m growing up too fast or too slow. My mom bought me a bra and I wear it sometimes, and she told me about periods. But at the same time I’m one of the tallest kids in my class. But you know what? I don't really care. I know I’m going to grow up 1 time or another, so it doesn't really matter to me.”
--Midori, 11
"I think I’m just right for my age. I’m perfectly happy unless someone is forcing me to grow up or slow down.”
--Amber, 12
"I think I’m growing too slow in height wise. I’m in 6th grade and I’m only 4'9", it’s kind of embarrassing. I’m the 2nd shortest person in my grade, there are even taller 5th graders. The shortest person in my grade is a boy. Everybody else is taller than me but they’re still really good friends. I started to wear a bra in 4th grade and I haven’t started my period yet. Only 2 people that I know of have in my grade.”
--Amber, 12
"Boy, do I need some catching up to do! I am one of the oldest in my class, and one of the smartest, but I am also the shortest! In fact, just last week a third grader tried to beat me up because he thought I was in second grade! But because I am somehow accepted by the popular kids, no one really makes fun of me a lot, and when they do, I've learned to deal with it.”
--Taylor (not a girl!), 11
"I am in the 7th grade and I have a huge chest. My best friend has nothing. For 1 thing, watch out 4 the guys.”
--Symone, 13
"I am growing up so fast! I am the tallest child in my SCHOOL! I am a large or extra large in almost all clothes, I have the biggest shoe size out of all the girls, and my best friend is soooo much shorter then me. Am I growing up too fast or is everyone else growing up too slow?!”
--Rachel, 10
“I have been going out with this girl named Shannon for 3 months now. I feel like I am growing up faster because all my friends have short, 2-week relationships that are typical for kids my age”
--Nick, 12
"I look like all the other girls but they've gotten dates and kisses and stuff but not me!”
--Lilly, 12
"I hate my chest size because it's way bigger than all the other girls my age, and I hate the fact that I got my period when I had just turned 11. I wish I could just stay flat-chested forever and never get my period.”
--Anonymous
”I feel like I'm growing too fast. I'm taller than my sister and most everybody in my youth group is thinner than me. I know I'm not fat, but sometimes I still feel like it."
--Jewl
"I feel like I'm growing up faster. I wear makeup and am the only one in class who's ever had a real boyfriend."
--Lindsay, 13
"I was the second to wear a bra and the third to start my period. No one knows about my period except one friend but I feel comfortable even though I am the third biggest in my class. I have 31 kids in my class, and we all seem like we’re family! I love it!"
--Rachael, 12
"Nope! I feel that I'm growing up perfectly fine! I'm very tall for my age and I'm kinda flat-chested but I don't care. I love being tall! I get to reach things others can't reach and I like it when people ask me if I'm 14!"
--KD, 12
"You know, I've been through more than most people my age, but I still feel like a little kid inside. I think that sometimes it's easier not to know what you're missing out on. Then you can think, 'Oh, I'm so mature,' and you feel it because you don't know it isn't true."
--Alice
"I think a lot of girls in my class are growing up too fast. Not that I'm growing slow because I have chest and I shave and I've had so many boyfriends, but sometimes I feel like if I keep acting the way I do or keep going the speed that I am, something I won't be able to control will happen."
--Lizzy, 13
"Yes. I'm very mature and smart and all my friends are not. I feel left out sometimes and sometimes I feel like a babysitter! But everyone will even out sometime...even yourself! Just calm down and don't think too much. Have fun!"
--Bobbi, 13
"It's both for me. Fast because I have a larger chest than a lot of my friends and it really stinks because I get looked at differently and easily judged. Slow because I'm not allowed to have a boyfriend or even talk to boys and I'm 12!!! Then I'm judged even more (like people saying I don't like boys ya know) just because everyone else is dating. Whatever I do, I'm being judged."
--Lexa, 12
"Devin, I know how it feels. I had to wear a bra from the age 8. I'm 14 now and people think I'm 19. You learn to get on with it. You just gotta be careful around guys."
--Natt, 14
"Sometimes I feel depressed and I really don't know why. I have very low self-esteem and I always feel the need to improve something on my body. I want to stop."
--Anita
"I feel like I need to catch up, I want a boyfriend. That's all I want."
--Mandy, 11
"I am growing up slower but faster too! My peers all have boyfriends and have a big chest. I don't. But in a way I am more mature. I get good grades and don't gossip or make fun of others. I guess that it's all in how you look at it."
--Abby, 13
"None of my friends have chests; only 2 friends do. Only somebody else and I have periods and shave our legs. I am SO tall. My friend is 2 years older than me and I'm taller!"
--MissYori
"I feel like every one in my class is progressing in life normally but I feel like I'm hitting puberty so soon because I'm as tall as my teacher!"
--Kirstyn, 11
"I think I'm half growing up and have a need to catch up. First of all, I am as tall as I should be (and lots of other reasons). I think I need catching up because I sometimes act like a little kid."
--Basma, 11
"Seriously, I think I'm growing up too fast."
--Wrandi, 12
"I am the youngest kid in my class and I am more mature than anyone!!! The teacher in my class even said I am the most mature kid in the class!!! I got my period when I was in grade 4 and started to wear a bra in grade 5! I just wish things could go a little slower because I still wanna be a kid!!!"
--Sugar Angel, 11
“I think that I am growing up faster then my friends and here is why: I wear a bra (sorry, but that's one of the reasons!!!), I wear different clothes like clothes from Aeropastel, I listen to music that they can't listen to like ‘Just Lose It’ by Eminem, I can watch the movies 8 Mile, Scary Movie, Mean Girls, The Hollow, The Day After Tomorrow, A Walk To Remember and Searching For David's Heart and stuff like that, and I usually act like I am 13. Yeah I know I’m weird, but I'm just the way I am.”
--Devin, 10
“I think that I need to catch up on growing up because most of my friends and family are bigger than me. But I am happy about my size because I fit in most places and they don't.”
--Brigeth, 10
“Well, compared to my other friends, no.”
--Elena, 12
“My classmates start acting older by wearing makeup and getting their nails done and buying 100 purses. I myself believe I'm behind. But who cares? They are the ones who are speeding up.”
--Yonit, 11
“I feel like I am growing up a little bit faster then everyone else. I mean, I am average but I sometimes feel like I am a little bit more mature then they are. I love my friends but it is time 4 them to grow up. GROW UP BUT HAVE FUN!!!!!”
--Delanie
"I feel that everybody is growing faster. A couple of girls wear bras and it makes me and my friend feel left out because everybody thinks they're growing faster."
--Kristie, 10
“I think that I am too slow growing up because my parents don’t let me pluck my eyebrows or wear make up or let me have a boyfriend. I like this boy and my friend is going out with him. I just wish I was prettier. All of my friends are going out with somebody. For example, Chewy is going out with Maria, Scabby is going out with Cheeto, Laura is going out with Pringles, and so many more of my friends. I feel so babyish.”
--Angel, 13
“It’s really hard to get used to the fact that you can't do as many weird things anymore. I missed all of that because I was really shy so I didn't do much, but now I want to just have fun!”
--Shelby, 11
“I don't know. All of my friends still play with toys, but some of the other girls in my class don't. Maybe they're growing up too fast, or we're growing up too slow. I really have no idea.”
--Breha, 9
“I am the same as my classmates now, but when I was in fifth grade, I felt like I was maturing faster because I got a boyfriend at the end of the year and my friends did not.”
--LizRay, 12
"Sometimes I look back at when I was littler and I had such fun toys and could play such fun games without being called stupid or immature, and well, I miss that. It's not that I don't WANT to grow up, I just wish I'd cherished my 'littlehood' a bit more."
--Raelyn, 13
"I think I need to catch up!!! Most of my friends are punks and I'm not!!"
--Jackie, 10
"I'm sort of jumbled here. I have had boyfriends before, but I can still get a kick out of talking about Disney cartoons with my friends. Growing up is optional, growing old is mandatory!"
--Lindsay, 12
"I have to admit I'm kinda short for my age. So height wise I have a lot of ground to cover. On the maturity scale I am so higher than they. So I guess it all balances out.”
--Jenny, 12
"I'm just a middle-schooler but I already have a chest and I'm not fat but I'm way curvy. I have my period and a chest and hairy legs and underarms. I'm maturing more at the rate of a sixteen-year-old."
--Sierra
"I think I'm growing up a little bit faster than everybody else because I'm one of the older kids in my classes."
--Courtney, 11
"I feel like I'm growing slower in some cases, like not being allowed to shave under my arms. My mom says that I can start shaving when I'm 20. It makes me feel way younger than the other girls who started shaving in 5th grade!! I feel older because I am taller than the tallest boy in my grade! He is 5 2''. So, sorta both!"
--Allie, 12
"When you're growing up, there really isn't anyone who's too fast or too slow. We all grow at different paces, and I don't think anyone is way behind or way ahead of growing up. Each person has a different speed."
--Amelia, 10
"I feel like I'm on the right speed I'm supposed to be. People shouldn't want to grow up too fast. You will never find better times than when you are a kid when you are an adult. If you do, you will never be that kid ever again. Trust me. I have an adult job with a modeling agency."
--Morgan, 11
"I feel like I'm growing up way too fast. I'm 10 and I already have to wear a bra with everything I wear. I'm 5' 1’ (five foot 1 inch). The only person I know that's growing up faster than me is Gabbie."
--Jordan, 10
"I think I am growing up faster. Mostly because my parents disciplined me earlier and watch what movies I watch, screened things, and made sure I was polite. They have me do dishes, mow the lawn, sweep and vacuum, clean the toilet, scrub the shower, and do anything that needs doing. I am becoming responsible in that way and when I grow up and have children, it will be easier for me. Since I have a little bro and sis to watch out for, I know how to change diapers and stuff."
--Gage
"I feel that I am growing up too fast but I know I am not because my mom says I am fine. I am glad. Some people last year in 5th grade already started shaving their legs. I am only shaving under my arms. My younger sister started before me so that really shows how people grow up at different rates. I don't know if I am on track or not."
--Jess, 11
"I feel like I am more mature than all of my friends because we are going into high school and we should be responsible for our actions. But, my friends goof around too much and they think that I am an old hag for being so responsible and mature."
--Lindsey
"I was worried that I might not get tall as I grow older. I have a friend that's going into 7th and I'm going into 5th and all of my other friends hang out with kids our age and sometimes it seems like I'm the only one that understands my friend. It also seems like I take things more seriously and think harder and figure out things that seem simple to me faster. I also am a lot taller then the kids in my grade."
--Regine, 13
“I used to feel like I was growing up faster, but now I feel that I'm behind a lot of people at my school. I'm more mature than a whole ton of people at school. I'm more logical and I can grasp the concepts better and all that stuff. But I still watch cartoons and stuff. Then I go and watch the Daily Show, LOL!”
--Madeleine
"I'm going to be a sophomore in high school and I'm only 5 ft tall. I started my period when I was 10 and since then I have felt that everybody in my grade was so immature. But I'm afraid that I won't grow anymore, like I'm already done and I'll be this short until I'm old and I get shorter."
--Reisa
"It depends on who you talk to. If you ask most of the girls in my class they'll probably say that I'm immature (yes I'm a girl) but if you ask some of my parents' friends, they'll say that I'm the most mature kid they know. The girls in my class think I'm immature because I play with boys and don't wear Ambercrombie and Fitch. Why pay $30 for shorts? Adults think I'm mature because I read The New York Times and talk about politics, science, and something that isn't who Brittney Spears is getting married to."
--Nicolas Elizabeth, 11
"I am only 10 but I am tall enough to be 11 or 12. I hate people mistaking my age. I have a good life but whenever I stand with my friends, 5 of them are short or average and thin, and I'm a little bit heavy and tall. I have 1 friend who's taller than me so I don't look so out of place."
--Sierra, 10
"Yeah! I have a more mature mind and I'm cheated. I'm not afraid of growing up but I wish some people would."
--Krisa, 12
"I think I am growing up too fast. I am the only one in my class with a period."
--Eryka, 11
"OMG, I'm growing way faster then my friends. My 14 yr. old sis is the same height as me!"
--Cayla, 11
"I feel like I'm growing up so fast! I started wearing a bra when I was 9 but now I'm 11 and some of my friends still don't have any chest! I think everyone's just taking too long except me."
--Tammi, 11
"I think I am more mature than most of my peers. It depends though because sometimes when I wanna watch Spongebob, I feel like I need to catch up. Lol."
--Kate
“At the beginning of 6th grade I was like really flat (if ya know what I mean) and now I'm almost in 8th grade and I am really not. Boys used to call me flat-chested but I would say my body isn't ready yet. That shut them up!! And now they don't say I'm flat anymore because I'm not. Don't worry if you are 'flat' you will catch up. It's okay, everyone starts at a different age. P.S. LLAMAS HAVE FEELINGS TO!! LOL!!"
--Rachel (llama), 12
"I feel like I'm growing up faster as in getting taller and as in school work."
--Tyler, 12
"I don't think I'm too far ahead but I feel like I do think harder and make better decisions and handle difficult decisions better than a lot of my friends do. But it's not healthy to grow up apart from your peers. You can learn a lot from them."
--Serah
"I feel like I'm shorter than all of my friends. All the girls in school pet my head and say, 'Awww...you're so small!' I don't like it very much. When am I going to grow?"
--Ric, 11
"I totally feel like I'm growing up faster. All my other friends are completely immature. I like them a lot but I wish they could try and be a bit more mature."
--Jess, 12
"All of my friends (except for 1) are all older than me. I just want to either be as old as them or find at least one friend who is my age. Help!"
--Kelsey, 11
"I really feel like I am ahead. I act more mature then most of them but then everyone is like dating and I am still just crushing!!!"
--Amanda, 11
"I think I need to catch up because everyone else in my class (EVEN MY FRIENDS!) thinks I'm babyish. :'( It hurts my feelings."
--Desirae, 10
"I think it's in between. When it comes to maturity level I really am a little more grown up. But they have a lot more smarts then I do, and not just book stuff. So I guess we're pretty equal."
--Samantha
"To answer your question I would have to say that yes, I do feel like I am growing up faster than others! All of my friends don't like to hang out with me because I have a bigger chest than they do. I just want to be like all the others."
--Melody, 13
"I feel like I am growing up faster than my peers mentally and physically.
A lot of kids my age are immature mentally. I feel proud to be able to be mature and I get respect from adults and kids. I think I don't need to catch up. I think that I need to keep striving to be a better peer."
--Nkonyezi, 11
"I am at least 5 feet and 11 inches and boys and girls make fun of me."
--Kaitlin, 9
"Sometimes I feel depressed because I feel like nobody gets me. My mom and dad are divorced. I only get to see my dad every other weekend and on Thursdays. I don't have very many friends but there's going to be a time in your life when you're happy."
--Marissa, 11
"I feel like I need to catch up. Most people are more 'mature' than me because I don't watch the same stuff as them, etc. My parents won't let me do certain stuff because they don't believe in it. I'm glad to be less 'mature'."
--Sarah, 12
"I seem to be growing faster than everyone my age. I have trouble making friends with the other kids in sixth grade, but I make friends really easily with seventh graders."
--Miriam, 12
"Although I may be maturing faster than lots of girls in my grade, I don't really feel much because I know that all girls are different."
--Danielle, 11
"I'm about a year younger than most of my friends, but we're all at about the same stage in puberty. In fact, I was the second of 4 friends to start wearing a bra!"
--Talia, 10
"Well in my point-of-view I am growing up with all the others. Which means that I am growing up at the right time so I am doing pretty well on growing up."
--Merithza, 11
"Yeah because like I'm wearing an XL flip-flop size and I wear a different bra size than my best friend. I need to slow down. I'm in 6th and my bff is in 7th!"
--Marie, 12
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