As many parents within the rare disease and chronic illness community know, it can sometimes be difficult to parent a medically complex child. It is important to practice self-care while also looking after your children. By practicing self-care, you not only fulfill your needs, but become a better caregiver. An article on WebMD discussed the need for self-care in parents of children with central precocious puberty (CPP). Speaking with your child’s care team is an important step in understanding and processing the diagnosis. In addition, Patient Worthy rounded up the best tips from WebMD (and our own personal connections) to provide a better understanding of how you can practice self-care as a caregiver of a child with CPP.
What is Central Precocious Puberty (CPP)?
Central precocious puberty, or CPP, is a rare condition that causes early sexual development (early puberty) in children. Normally, puberty begins between ages 8-13 in girls and 9-14 in boys. In children with CPP, puberty may begin as early as 5 years old in girls and 8 years old in boys. It results when the body releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) too early. Doctors are not sure of the cause in all cases, though brain injury or defects, brain infections, radiation, hypothyroidism, or genetic heredity are believed to play a role in some cases. CPP is more common in girls than boys. Symptoms may include:
- Early menstruation and breast development
- Deepened voice (in males)
- Adult body odor
- Emotional and mood changes
- Rapid growth with a shorter than average stature at full growth
- Pubic and underarm hair
- Enlarged penis and testicles
- Facial hair development (in males)
- Acne
Treatment options vary but may include the correction of underlying conditions or medication to halt puberty.
Self-Care Tips & Tricks
If you are the parent of a child with CPP, here are some self-care tips that can help to center you in times of stress:
- Find community. A rare condition or diagnosis can come alongside feelings of fear, isolation, and distress. Finding a community of other parents can bring you some peace and show you that you are not alone. Joining a Facebook group for parents of children with CPP or reaching out to organizations such as the Child Growth Foundation, MAGIC Foundation, or Pediatric Endocrine Society, can provide answers to questions, guidance, and additional resources.
- Consider therapy or counseling. When we’re facing diagnoses, whether treatable (as CPP is!) or not, we tend to place blame on ourselves. Is it something we did? Was there anything we could’ve done to change this? Giving yourself time to grieve, and taking space for yourself, offers an avenue to grapple with these complex questions or emotions. It is ok to grieve and ok if not every day is your best. If you are really struggling, or looking for another avenue for support, consider therapy or counseling! A therapist can not only assist with the grieving process but can give you tools to work through your feelings in a safe, effective way.
- Take small steps towards happiness. What truly brings you joy? Is it reading, taking a small hike, or simply getting a good night’s sleep? If you’re able, try to find time to do these activities – even if it means reading a chapter during the week or taking a walk around the block to ease your mind. Maybe you can color or paint while your child falls asleep or listen to your favorite song with your child on your back porch. Make time for what you enjoy.
