In some ways, it’s simply part of a kid’s natural journey toward independence. But child development experts say that physical and behavioral changes that would have been typical of teenagers decades ago are now common among “tweens” - kids ages 8 to 12.

Some of them are going on “dates” and talking on their own cell phones. They listen to sexually charged pop music, play mature-rated video games and spend time gossiping on MySpace. And more girls are wearing makeup and clothing that some consider beyond their years…

“I’m sure this isn’t the first time in history people have been talking about it. But I definitely feel like these kids are growing up faster - and I’m not sure it’s always a good thing,” says Dr. Liz Alderman, an adolescent medicine specialist at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. She’s been in practice for 16 years and has noticed a gradual but undeniable change in attitude in that time…

Beyond the drugs, sex and rock’n'roll their boomer and Gen X parents navigated, technology and consumerism have accelerated the pace of life, giving kids easy access to influences that may or may not be parent-approved. Sex, violence and foul language that used to be relegated to late-night viewing and R-rated movies are expected fixtures in everyday TV…

“Physically, they’re adults, but cognitively, they’re children,” says Alderman, the physician in New York. She’s found that cultural influences have affected her own children, too…

With grown-up influences coming from so many different angles - from peers to the Internet and TV - some parents say the trend is difficult to combat…

In the end, many parents find it tricky to strike a balance between setting limits and allowing their kids to be more independent.

Source: Contra Costa Times
http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/16097101.htm