Understanding Male Puberty
They might be a little over ten. Or a little below fifteen.
They suddenly look, and feel grown up. Puberty in men is a different phenomenon than in women.
Here, we will explore what happens during puberty, when to see a doctor, and how to handle boys when puberty hits them.
Physical Changes
It is mostly around 11-13 years that their Adam’s apple starts taking shape, their voices become huskier, you can see signs of moustache, beard, and hair on other parts of the body.
Boys go through a genital transformation. Their testicles take shape, pubic hair grows. The sexual maturity also comes with these changes.
Mental and Social changes
They start thinking, their mind opens up and usually, their personality starts taking shape during these years. Some of the common traits you might observe.
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They start to have a political or a moral stand.
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They develop abstract interests, poetry, films, writing, as per their exposure
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They question things. They aren’t always the ‘yes mom’ kid they used to be. They might even question norms, might not want to attend family gatherings and rather enjoy a pizza with their friends.
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A lot of them start developing complexes. They often compare themselves to others. Their peers, friends, and classmates.
What could you do as a parent/guardian?
Your relationship might change, he or she would start disagreeing more with you. However, here are a few things you might have to pay attention to:
- Stay emotionally close
Do they still share those secrets? Those funny anecdote in their tuitions? It’s okay if they don’t. There are things that they might not like to share. But make sure they aren’t hiding a lot too. Figure out a way to ensure they aren’t hiding anything serious.
- Keep an eye on the peer group
Friendships will impact their career choices, their behaviour and even long-term thinking. While you can’t do much to influence their friend circle, you can be a friend to them to understand more about their friends and do the needful.
- Make them conscious about indulgences
At this stage, your boy’s immune system is good. Thanks to all the nurturing you did in their childhood. But now, they’ll also tend to try more and more to tickle their taste buds. With more time spent at school and tuitions, they’ll tend to smack every dish they find at the canteen. Don’t nag them, but passively make them conscious about good eating habits and exercising.
Apart from these, their sexual choices will also evolve. And this is inevitable and unstoppable! While you cannot stop them from indulgence, you must educate them about the legalities, and all the health issues involved. Ensure they learn about sex from the right source and have all the necessary knowledge.
Usually most of the boys attain puberty by 14-15 years. If it does not happen by then, you should see a doctor and find out what can be done.
The changing hormones can be difficult for the young one to handle. To let your boy enjoy these years of growth and changes, help him by lending an ear, not restricting him but understanding, and helping him logically understand the changes that their body and mind are undergoing.
