Bigger age range of potentials?

[Skanky Vamp]

But how can it be when Kendra was sent to live with her watcher at a young age, and according to the film it was a mole that was the sign of a potential. Buffy had hers removed before Merrick found her.

Right. The show changed the concept of how a slayer was called. A mole was the sign, cramps was the superpower.

 

[Priceless]

Well I'm definitely reaching here, but maybe Kendra was identified early through magic? A spell to find potentials.

 

[VisionGirl]

Potential is tied in with womanhood, and that only once a girl begins to menstruate does the potential become apparent. That would also tie in with the film, where Buffy recognises vampires through menstrual cramps.

This was not canon in the show. In fact, never discussed once. It was definitely changed.

But weren't they originally sent to Buffy for protection, not to fight?

Yes, but they were doing to have to learn how to contribute to their own protection. Buffy couldn’t protect all of them all the time. And some of them had some skills.

 

[AlphaFoxtrot]

Presumably the Watchers have access to some manner of divination to determine whom may be chosen. Chosen means either God or Fate, neither of whom play dice with the universe, so this status ought to be knowable at a very young age, but for poetry's sake, I agree that puberty is as good as any. It works for the X-men. As for an age limit? I would guess the Slayer is only described as a Maiden, so, no older than the end of adolescence. Beyond that, the series had absolutely no world-building. The other issue, if you went too young on the actresses, you would either have to hire tutors or pay for emancipation decrees, which is a no-no. 18-24 year olds can easily play teenagers. Of course, the Potential pre-activation process may have been halted as part of the disturbance in the force that Buffy's revival created, so no more young girls?

 

[AlphaFoxtrot]

I checked out the orgin comic. Neither the Mark of the Coven nor menstruation is mentioned. It just says there are a number of girls who have the potential to become slayers, and that the dreams are the chief manifestation of Slayer inheritance. Of course, do keep in mind that the Slayer was a once in a generation calling. The Death Cycle Retcon wasn't a thing until Kendra showed up.