Puberty. It’s no fun. Remember the awkwardness, the uncertainty, and the…..sporadic hair growth? Now that we are parents ourselves, we want to be able to help our children through this uncomfortable time. It doesn’t seem that long ago that it was happening to us! Now, by recognizing the signs of puberty, we may be able to better prepare our children. The best advice of all for parents getting ready to talk to their children is, BE HONEST! Be prepared to answer the most embarrassing questions you can think of, and don’t be embarrassed about doing it.
As a woman, it can be a little uncomfortable talking to my son about sex and life changes. However, I feel that the more I know about the subject, the easier it is for me to discuss it. Here are some facts that may help you in talking with your son.
Anytime between the ages of ten and fifteen, your son may start to see changes in his body. Here are some symptoms of puberty you can look for.
1. Has there been in a change in body odor?
2. Has his voice become deeper, or alternate between squeaky and deep?
3. Have his muscles gotten bigger?
4. Has his shoulders broadened?
5. Have you (or he) noticed body hair in places that didn’t have hair before? (my twelve year old has recently discovered THREE ARMIT HAIRS! He’s so proud)
6. Has he recently gone through a growth spurt? (growing more than four inches in a year can indicate a growth spurt)
7. Has he been unusually emotional?
8. Has he recently developed Acne anywhere on the body?
9. Has he been experiencing wet dreams? (you may want to discuss this with your son BEFORE it happens. If he is not informed, it could frightening for him)
10. Does he get random erections? (I know, this one is embarrassing. However, he should know that it’s perfectly normal and happens to all boys his age)
If he has experienced any of the above signs, than most likely he is in the process of entering puberty. Puberty is the time when a boy becomes a young man. Puberty occurs because the body is changing both physically and sexually. Hormones cause the body to grow and change from a child, to a teen, and then to an adult. During puberty, the brain releases hormones that go directly to his reproductive organs. The hormones help sperm to develop.
How can you help your child cope with the changes in his body? Well, first of all, you can encourage him to keep his body clean. Introduce deodorant and acne medication. If he hasn’t gotten acne yet, purchase a face wash for him to help prevent it all together. If facial hair has begun to grown, ask his father or older brother to instruct him on how to shave. Encourage him to exercise, as this will assist with keeping his mood at a even level. You can also keep him get educated by going online with him and researching puberty, or visit your local library and find reading material on the subject.
Your son needs trustworthy information about the changes that are happening to his body. Inform him about the changes that will occur and remind him that every boy goes through the same things. Puberty doesn’t happen at the same age for everyone, and not everyone develops at the same rate. He may have friends that have facial hair at thirteen and feel frustrated that he isn’t experiencing the same. He’ll need reassurance from you that he will eventually catch up. It will just take time.
If you haven’t already had “the talk” with him about sex, it is probably a good idea to do so. Share your views about teen sex and make your expectations clear. Talk with him about pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. More than judgment, he needs facts. The more he knows, the more capable he will be of making responsible decisions.
