See also: Puberty: The Facts for Girls
That occasional squeak you’ve been hearing in your 9- to 14-year-old son’s voice is a sign of many changes he’s going through. That’s the age puberty typically begins in boys, and it brings with it significant physical, emotional and cognitive changes.
Physical Changes
The most visible signs of puberty in boys are:
- Growth spurt as they reach their adult height
- Shoulders growing wider
- Overall muscle growth
- Increased sweat
- Acne on the face and upper body
- Growth of the genitals
- The appearance of pubic hair
It’s important, says Adolescent Health educator Brooks Michael, to be sensitive to these changes and respectful of your child’s privacy.
“He may become more modest and seek his own privacy,” she said. “Remember to knock before entering his room.”
Precocious and Delayed Puberty
All healthy adolescents go through puberty, and they do it on their body’s own timetable. Boys may begin the process before their friends and classmates, or they may notice their friends maturing faster than they are.
Neither case is cause for concern, although they may experience unwanted attention or teasing, which is common at that age as children begin to differentiate themselves from others more.
However, if a boy experiences precocious puberty—beginning before age eight—the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a trip to his pediatrician to see if an abnormality in the pituitary gland is causing it.
“Precocious puberty is fairly uncommon,” says Carilion Clinic’s Jeri Lantz, M.D., chief of General Internal Medicine and co-section chief of Adolescent Medicine. “The first step is to determine the cause of the hormone shift and treatment determined based on that cause.”
How To Support Your Son Through Puberty
Beyond the obvious external changes, your son may experience other signs that could alarm him. Assure him these are normal and happen to other boys, too. Plan to have frank and honest discussions with him about:
- His testicles getting bigger, with one commonly lower than the other
- Involuntary and spontaneous erections
- Wet dreams, or nocturnal emissions, which are natural and not a sign of sexual dreams
- Breast enlargement or tenderness—this is common for boys in the early part of puberty
Pre-teens are easily embarrassed about their changing voices and bodies, and their confidence can take a hit as a result.
“Avoid teasing about such things as his voice cracking,” says Brooks.
Healthy Habits for Life
As your son goes through puberty, good hygiene, diet and sleep habits are important. Because of changes in body oils and perspiration, encourage him to shower daily. Introducing healthy habits now will help him take better care of himself for life.
"With all the changes in their bodies, it is important for adolescents to get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly,” said Dr. Lantz. “It's important for them to drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet that is rich in whole vegetables and fruits and with less processed and sweetened foods and beverages."
Going through puberty also changes a young man’s health care needs. This is a good time to help him establish a relationship with his own primary care physician so he stays on track with well-teen checkups and immunizations.
