Parents don’t have a choice but to talk to girls about puberty, because they need to tell them about periods. However, initiating the puberty talk with their little boy seems unnecessary to some of them. Though not often spoken about, young boys go through equally grueling time when faced with the onset of puberty. So, let’s start mini conversations with our little sons on what to expect when the Puberty fairy comes visiting!
Puberty approaches different bodies at different ages and brings with it emotional and social changes besides physical changes. It’s the time when the rebellion starts, the physical aggression at one hand and the sensitive outbursts at another. We have been through this and that’s the experience we need to bring into our relationship with our children. Patience, information and confidence, these are what you need to inject your child with.
Right Age
The onset of puberty varies from child to child. However, typically boys start puberty anytime between the ages of 10 and 15. Hence, the age 9 is the right time to begin a conversation. A series of slow and steady talks which will help you break ice and build a new bond. It’s right to be prepared beforehand, so be ready for all kinds of questions from him. Also, do not wait until he approaches you, take the first step. You are the adult, after all.
Starting Trouble
Your son will turn into a young man in the coming years. Your conversations today will instil in him the right attitudes to become a more positive and empathetic person. It might be awkward in the beginning and he may walk out or not take the initiative in conversations. Yet, you need to carry on, without pressurizing him. Slow and steady. The conversation is a process and not a one-time chat, it will take time and build its own course.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
Your son will go through numerous physical changes as puberty sets in. Add to it emotional and social developments too. Make sure to touch upon all the below cited changes as you carry forward the talk.
Growth Spurt
He will grow taller at great speed and the size of his limbs will change too. He may feel he is too thin or lanky but assure him that it’s just the way puberty works. His friends may attain puberty at the same time or before/after, tell him that it varies from person to person and is perfectly alright.
Voice breaking
His voice will deepen, for some it cracks and changes over a span of few years. Tell him that this is normal and irrespective of the way it sounds, it’s normal. Adams apple should also be included in this conversation.
Hair Growth
Armpit, facial and genital hair will find its spot in the conversation. It’s the right time to tell him about hormones and the other physical changes his body will go through in the days to come.
Body Odour
His sweat will smell. Hence, care for personal hygiene should be touched on at this stage. Pimples & acne, the need to eat right and exercise should be part of this talk too.
Genitals
It’s the right time to explain to him about his genitals. He may also show concern over the size of his penis, tell him that all sizes are to be respected and are normal. Also explain to him how for some the penis may be circumcised and for some, not. The right way to clean the genitals is also an important topic to touch upon.
This is the also the time when he may experience wet dreams and his first ejaculation. This may be extremely embarrassing for him and he approaching you for answers will depend on how you talk to him about the puberty changes. Let this be a topic you touch on beforehand, hence he will know that it’s normal when he goes through the same.
Mood Swings
New hormones trying to settle in might make him feel very unsettled. Mood swings, confusion, tears, aggression and rude behaviour are common. Make sure he knows that you are always there for him and he can come to you to share, discuss and question, anything.
Its important to tell him about changes he will go through at puberty, but equally important is to tell him about changes girls will go through. Periods is one such important change he should know about and develop a positive and emphatic attitude towards.
Respect
Puberty also means relationships and attraction towards the opposite/same sex. This is when he should learn that he needs to respect himself and the other in equal terms. Lessons of love, respect, compassion and equality should be cultivated in him.
It may sound like a heavy bunch of conversations, but it doesn’t have to be. Your son, the little boy turning into a young man will learn to be a good human being and love and respect himself and others through you. Hold his hand as he enters adulthood and let him be independent and confident of the same 🙂
In my upcoming articles, I shall touch open each of these topics in detail and also cover the ‘how to’ of the conversations to help you ease into the talk.
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Hello. You can absolutely share the blog page with any of your groups. Thank you:)
Hi Anju… Thanks for the help. My son is approaching 9. I think, I should speak to him. I wonder how should I tell him the difference between male and female bodies… Pls help
Hi Sonali, thanks for reaching out. We shall do a blog on that soon, so that you can talk to your son about it.
I liked this post and await for next posts.
The approach is pretty logical and I believe this trains the teens correctly.
My son is 10 years old and shortly I will start educating him.
Thanks again.
Thank you Sunil…it is heartening to see dads following the blog. I strongly belieive that these conversations with kids, whether boy or girl should be done by both parents. Hope my blog will help you in your conversation with your son.
Loved the post..I am going to take these points to my son…Thank you
Thank you Seema…do check out our new post coming up soon on talking to your son about periods.
I just loved this being a mother of two boys..this is normally neglected part in our society
Completely agree – do keep a look out for more blog posts for moms of boys. And btw…am a mother of 2 boys too!
Very nice article . I am facing this as a challenge these days . Can i write to you for somespecific questions ??
Thank you Shweta. You sure can write to me. Do join our moms whatsapp support groups and you can post your questions there. The link to join the groups is on the blogsite.
This was really informative. Being a mother of 11 year old son, this is just at the right tym that i got to read this. Eager to know more as u mentioned you would tell us eqch of it in detail on “how to”, thank you so much
Thank you Deepali….stay tuned – I will be tackling each one of the topics in there individually.
The moment I read the first few sentences, I just fell in love with the fact that there is someone out there who is speaking about Puberty talks with children and is encouraging Moms to help develop empathy in their children. I think this is a very important aspect in life. Kudos!!!
A really needed post. Thank you.
Loved this write-up…definitely helpful for my ten year old son.
Hi Anju my son is 14 years and is exhibiting almost all the signs you have mentioned. I have been speaking to him on and off depending on his receptivity . I didn’t anticipate rude behaviour. I find your article useful in dealing with him. Please touch upon more aspects in you next .
Thank you Lata, will surely be expanding on all the signs touched upon in that blog – stay tuned.
This blog was really helpful for my 8 year old,
this is literally where his curiosity ends.
I loved it as well😊😊👌🏻👌🏻
Thank you – appreciate you writing in.