You may notice some physical changes in the boys in your class. Their voices may get deeper and they may begin to grow hair on their faces and underarms. Boys also undergo sexual changes. They will start to release testosterone and begin to experience erections. Understand that they may be embarrassed by this, just like you may be initially embarrassed by your period.
Teenage boys may experience erections without cause, or their voices may squeak when they talk. They may get embarrassed by this. Don’t tease the boys in your grade about puberty, no matter how tempting it may be. After all, you wouldn’t want to be teased by the changes you’re going through.
Like you, boys are beginning to grow hair on the underarms and pubic region. Boys also experience mood swings and feelings of anger and frustration due to changing hormones. Hormones can also cause quick changes in energy levels. You may notice people respond to you differently as you grow. People see you more as an adult and may treat you differently. This happens to boys during puberty as well.
Do not put up with disrespect. If he is mean to you in front of his friends, you say something like, “I understand you want to act cool around your friends, but it’s not okay for you to make fun of me. "
Ask specific questions, like hobbies, family, and his favorite subjects in school. For example, “Are you close to your siblings?” If you’re unsure how to strike up a conversation, ask about something around you or something that’s recently happened. For example, “What did you think of yesterday’s assembly?”
For example, if he wants to stop an activity he once enjoyed, put yourself in his shoes. If he was forced to play hockey during middle school, he may want to try something different so that he can gain a sense of individuality.
Read articles about teenagers, especially ones about the hormonal and mood changes they undergo. Young adult fiction books can also help you remember the emotions teens undergo. Keep in mind that this research may not describe your teen exactly. It’s important to get to know your teenage boy, not just the boys described in literature. Take an interest in the things your teen is passionate about to connect and get to know him better.
While it’s reasonable to want to know where your teen is going and with whom, you should give him some privacy. Your teen may feel he needs a certain amount of privacy to establish his identity. Things like text messages and phone calls should be private. Consider lessening some rules as your teenager ages. If he is unreliable or violates your trust, however, you may need to keep stricter rules in place for longer.
A teen’s developing brain does not give them a free pass for reckless behavior. Consequences are how he learns to make good choices. You should still have expectations and boundaries. Things like bedtimes and curfews should still be enforced, and you should know where he is at all times. [9] X Research source
Have patience. Many parents feel the teenage years will never end, but your son should eventually grow out of mood swings and anger problems caused by puberty. Once he has calmed down, discuss his behavior. Don’t lecture. Instead, focus on what he can do differently in the future.
Talk to your son about sex and sexuality and let him ask questions. If he’s uncomfortable discussing the subject with you, find a trusted third party, like an uncle, to help. [12] X Research source Don’t panic if he asks about sex; it doesn’t mean that he’s having sex or considering doing so. He may just be curious, which is normal. Leave any conversation you have about sex open-ended. Say something to your teen like, “If you have any questions, it’s always okay to come to me with them. "
It may take some trial and error to figure out when he is most talkative. He may be more quiet when you pick him up from soccer practice, but get chattier after dinner.
Instead of asking, “Are you excited about the school dance?” try “How are you feeling about the dance? Do you think you feel comfortable going?” If he gives short responses, this may not be a subject he wishes to discuss. Try to find what he does enjoy talking about, like his hobbies and interests.
It is okay to express your emotions to boys. If a boy is making you feel uncomfortable, say so clearly. Say something if a boy is bothering you, such as, “I don’t like it when you comment on my body. It makes me feel uncomfortable. " If teasing doesn’t stop, ask an adult for help.
Difficulty concentrating A sudden drop in grades Weight loss or gain Lack of motivation Difficulty sleeping Fatigue
