Informing, Preparing, and Training are the Key to Overcoming Precocious Puberty in Children: A Lesson from the Experiences of Mothers

Background: Precocious puberty is associated with worries and challenges for affected children and their mothers as primary caregivers. The present study aimed to explore mothers› experiences of their children›s precocious puberty. Methods: The data in this qualitative-descriptive phenomenological study were collected through semi-structured interviews. The mothers with female and male children who experienced puberty before age 8 or 9 were selected through purposive sampling in Tehran in 2023. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing 25 mothers. The collected data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Results: The mothers’ experiences of their child’s precocious puberty were categorized into four main themes including "extreme surprise and confusion", "precocious puberty, a developmental period or a disease?", "mothers’ self-imposed isolation", and "informing, preparing, and training parents as the key to overcoming precocious puberty". Conclusion: Seeking assistance from doctors, nurses, midwives, and health counselors, reading related books, and using new information to understand puberty can enhance the patience and tolerance of mothers to help their children overcome the challenges associated with precocious puberty.