Puberty is a time full of challenges not only for children, but also for parents. How can parents help children more easily survive this period of change? When and how would it be good to talk to them about what awaits them? How to interpret the behavior of teenagers and how to manage sudden changes in the mood of children?

Recently, ZYX Books published the book “Oh, Puberty! – What does the world of today’s teenagers look like and how to talk to them about difficult topics”, a guide for parents who want to understand and help their children go through this period more easily. The book is available HERE and shipping is free.

A male child goes through many important changes during puberty. His body grows bigger and stronger, his baritone voice develops his muscles, and he begins puberty. Puberty tends to start later in boys than in girls, usually between the ages of 9 and 14, and is an important period in their development, representing the transition from childhood to adulthood.

At this stage, boys go through the process of growing up, which brings with it, in addition to visible physical changes, also some emotional changes. Puberty in boys begins when hormones released by the brain cause the testicles to develop, which secrete the most important male hormone: testosterone. Testosterone is a male sex hormone, but it is also produced in women, in the ovaries, and causes facial hair growth as well as voice changes.

What emotional changes occur during puberty in boys?

During this period, changes occur in the child’s brain that affect his emotions and behavior. Brain development during puberty affects a child’s behavior and social skills. It will improve your planning, problem solving and decision making skills. Boys may experience frequent mood swings during puberty due to hormonal fluctuations, physical changes, and social pressures. Puberty can be more difficult or confusing for children who question their gender identity.

In addition, due to hormonal changes, teenagers may exhibit moody behavior and emotional outbursts. It is also a time when boys begin to explore and form their own identity. They can begin to define their own values ​​and interests.

Another change that can be observed during puberty is related to sleep. Rest patterns change, and many children choose to go to bed later in the evening and sleep more during the day. If serious emotional problems arise, such as anxiety, depression, or severe mood swings, it is important for boys to see a professional. Isolation, neglect of activities they once enjoyed, and poor school performance can all be signs of a mood disorder or mental health problem.

In All About Puberty: What Today’s Teens Look Like and How to Talk to Them About the Tough Stuff, published by ZYX Books, Kara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett explain the recent changes in the age at which puberty begins and all the implications of early puberty maturation. (puberty now starts at least two years earlier than in their parents’ generation), while also providing explanations for how parents should talk to teenagers about various topics.

“Although listening is king, speaking is also extremely important. Given the vast amount of information children must absorb during this decade of adulthood, the adults who love them are often their best resource. But the substance of the message is just as important as the way it is delivered. The goal is to give children what they need without forcing them to leave the room. For your peace of mind, it will too. Countless times.”

What are the main problems during puberty in boys?

Problems related to puberty are usually related to hormones. Because of this, some boys begin to notice changes very early, which is called precocious puberty. Others may not notice the changes until later, which is called delayed puberty.

Precocious puberty refers to sexual and physical development before an age considered normal for this transitional period. Traditionally, puberty in boys starts around age 9, but precocious puberty can start several years before that time.

The reasons for the onset of early puberty are various:

• premature activation of the pituitary gland (pituitary gland), which secretes hormones to stimulate the gonads;
• premature growth of the gonads themselves, usually as a result of some disease or condition.
• a tumor on the adrenal gland or elsewhere.

Delayed puberty means sexual and physical development after the age that is considered normal, i.e. after 14 years. This problem can be caused by several factors:

• genetics – if one or both parents went through delayed puberty, their child is more likely to have the same experience;
• hormonal imbalance;
• some medical problems – diseases of the pituitary gland or chronic diseases can interfere with the sexual development of boys;
• unbalanced nutrition – nutritional deficiency can affect the production of hormones necessary for puberty;
• being overweight – there is some evidence that boys who are overweight or obese may start puberty at an earlier age.

Delayed puberty can affect the health and emotional state of boys. Because some of them may be late in reaching average height for their age or develop secondary sex characteristics such as breast growth, they may have problems with their body image. Delayed puberty can cause difficulties in social relationships, as boys may feel different from their friends or peers.

How much do boys grow?

Most boys grow up to 16 years old. Some may grow another inch or two in late adolescence. Instead, muscles will continue to grow into adulthood. The genes of both parents play an important role in determining the height and growth of boys. Other factors such as the mother’s diet, activity level and nutrition during pregnancy also affect height. Every child grows at their own pace, and puberty begins and ends at different times for everyone. Puberty can last from 2 to 5 years, so it is not always easy to predict when it will end.

What can parents do for boys going through puberty?

When a boy reaches puberty, he experiences a number of significant changes in his body in a relatively short period of time. Puberty can make him anxious about body changes or make him feel embarrassed.

Parents play an important role in supporting and guiding boys during this transition period. Here are some ways adults can support a child’s well-being during puberty:

• To create a healthy environment where boys feel comfortable sharing their feelings, questions and concerns. Active listening and understanding from parents can help strengthen relationships and reduce boys’ anxiety.
• Be open, talk to them about the types of changes their bodies are going through, and explain that this is a normal process that everyone goes through.
• Provide them with appropriate sexuality education through accurate and accessible information on sexual development, healthy relationships and protection against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy so that boys can better understand their bodies and sexual responsibilities.
• To give them privacy. During puberty, boys may need more privacy and personal space, and when parents respect this right, they can develop autonomy and form their own boundaries.
• Teach them to take care of themselves, given that during this period they may encounter sweat and body odor, excess sebum that can cause acne, and many other changes that may be demanding for them.
• To provide them with emotional support in times of sadness or anxiety. Boys can experience mood swings and stress during puberty, so it’s important for parents to teach them how to manage their emotions and support them in developing problem-solving skills.

Puberty in boys is accompanied by emotional changes and stress as they come to terms with their changing bodies. The physiological, psychosocial, and emotional changes that occur can be challenging and difficult to manage, and parents can help them successfully navigate the challenges that may arise during this transition period.

We also recommend the book Oh, Puberty! – What the world of today’s teenagers looks like and how to talk to them about difficult topics”, recently published by ZYX Books, which is a guide for parents who want to understand and help their children to get through this period more easily. The book is available HERE and shipping is free.