About this topic
Puberty is the time in your childs life when the body begins to change from a child into an adult. Hormones will cause physical and emotional changes over a few years. It is important to talk with your son to help him understand what kinds of things will be happening to his body. Be sure to also talk with him about what happens to girls when they go through puberty.
General
Teach your son about his body and the right names for both male and female body parts. As he gets older, help him learn facts about taking care of his body, about sex, and about healthy relationships. Also, talk about sexually-transmitted diseases, or STDs, and birth control before he starts having sex. These important issues may be hard to talk about. Be honest and direct with him when talking about these sensitive subjects.
When Is the Right Time to Start to Talk With Your Son?
- It is best to have many talks, rather than just one " talk '. Start early by answering questions about his body with names of body parts and what they are for. Talk about how his body changes as he grows.
- Start whenever he begins to ask questions about sex, sexual health, or body functions. Keep the answers very simple when your child is young. Add more details as he grows.
- Puberty starts between age 10 and 13. By the time your son is about 9 years old, he should know how puberty will affect his body and emotions. After this age, you will likely have to start this conversation. Your son may not feel it is okay to talk about these things with his parents.
- It is never too late to talk with your son about his body and its changes. It is better to talk to him later than not at all.
- You may want to find a quiet and safe place to talk like the park.
What Do I Tell Him?
- Before you start, make sure that you have all the right information you need. Learn about how his body works. Go to the library or online. Talk to your doctor. Find reliable information about birth control and STDs.
- Start by asking him what he knows about puberty. Find out what he wants to learn. Talk about what he thinks will happen to his body.
- Give him basic information about his body. Help him understand how his hormones will change his body and cause things like:
- Voice changes. As his voice box grows, his voice will change. During this process, it may go from high to low and your son may have problems controlling it.
- Changes to his shape. He will grow taller and bigger. Your son will get more muscular. His penis and testicles will grow.
- Changes to his skin. He may see hair on his face; in his pubic area; on his chest, legs, and under his arms. He will sweat more and may start to notice body odor.
- Changes to his mind and emotions. He will be able to understand more complex things. He may have mood swings.
- Help your son learn to shave.
- Talk with your son about erections. Let him know they are normal and can happen at any time, even if he is not thinking about sex. Tell your son about wet dreams, the process when he releases semen in his sleep.
- Talk about relationships and love. Ask him what he knows about sex. Find out what he wants to learn about it. Talk about what he may have seen on TV or in movies. What did the characters do? Ask about any consequences for the characters. Explain that what happens on TV or in movies may be unrealistic.
- Talk about birth control. Ask him what he knows and wants to know about preventing pregnancy. Ask him how it might change his life if he made a girl pregnant.
- Teach him about sexually-transmitted infections. Talk about how the infections are spread and what causes them. Teach him what the signs of STDs are, how the doctor tests for STDs, and how they are treated. Explain that not all STDs are treatable. Explain how to prevent STDs.
- Use materials like pictures or videos to help your son understand clearly. Pick materials that are age appropriate for him.
- Practice how you will speak to your son.
- The setting is important. Make your son feel that he is free to ask questions and express his views. Ask him questions during or in between your conversations. Some children want to process the information and will have more questions later.
- Tell him it is OK if he feels more comfortable talking with a close family member about his body and emotional changes.
What will the results be?
- Your son will know about the changes that will be taking place in his body.
- You may be able to prevent surprise or fear when the changes happen.
- It may be easier for your child to come to you with questions and concerns.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/pages/Concerns-Girls-Have-About-Puberty.aspx
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/parents/teens/index.html
KidsHealth.org
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/growing/talk_about_puberty.html
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
http://girlshealth.gov/body/puberty/index.html
Last Reviewed Date
2015-04-14
List_set bdysylist
- Healthy Living
- Mental Health
- Reproductive
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
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Copyright © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.