boys... "changing"

Memory - posted on 03/11/2009

Quoting Susan:

boys... "changing"

I have a son who's almost 12... when do I start looking for him to start "changing"? I would love to know. Plus, what are some of the things for me to look for... He's starting to look at girls.. that's the only difference I've seen so far

Hie Susan..

Im also interested in this "changing" business. My son is going for 11 and im scared of the coming years, especially the teenage tantrums soon coming up. Hes also started talking about girls and asking about things i dont think i am ready to answer. Its worring and exciting all the same..Got a brother whos 15 and i think i noticed more of a change in him when he was about 13/14. His voice and all changed quite early i thought. Hes also now very secretive, which he never used to be. Signs of growing up i guess but you always tell when somethings up.

Kirstie - posted on 03/11/2009

Quoting Susan:

boys... "changing"

I have a son who's almost 12... when do I start looking for him to start "changing"? I would love to know. Plus, what are some of the things for me to look for... He's starting to look at girls.. that's the only difference I've seen so far

I have a 12 yr old and 14 yr old son . My 14 yr old is changing fast !! he has shot up I am 5"7 and he is just taller than me , His voice is breaking as well  I thought it would be more of an ongoing process but it seems like he has woken up one morning and has this "voice" of a man !!! . What I have noticed about the boys changing is there moods ,around the age of 12 well when they start high school ,I noticed the moods coming ,they cant be bothered with anything !! everything little thing they do around the house is done in a " sulk " haha. This is what my 12 yr old is going through at the moment and he is for ever snitching on his older brother . My 14 yr old is going through a different stage , hygene !! I am not complaining , he has at least two showers a day ,spends about 20mins plus brushing his teeth ,sprays at least half a bottle of deodrant under his arms , its quite funny but toxic lol... I think it must be easier with boys then girls because obviousley they have periods and grow breasts where as you dont see the physical puberty changes in boys . I was shocked on holiday to see my son with out his top on and hair underarm hair .My 12 yr old has also told me he has started sprouting hairs under there as well now .

Tracy - posted on 03/10/2009

Quoting Susan:

All I know is that mine is starting to look at girls, and starting to want pictures of girls in bikinis for his room. I told him that wasn't appropriate, and that I wouldn't allow it. I told him I didn't want him thinking of girls that way. His voice hasn't "cracked" yet, but it is definitely lower than it used to be a few years ago. He doesn't have a high pitched voice anymore. Other than that, I'm clueless

I think that it is totally "normal" for a young boy of 12 to be looking at a girl in a picture wearing a bikini.  They are curious at that age and they are boys.  My son is going to be 12 on Sunday and I know what you are going through.  As long as they are shown how to treat women and girls or other people for that matter, there is nothing bad about "looking" at a woman or a girl in a picture, as long as it's not pornography of course. 

Brooke - posted on 03/10/2009

The book I got my son was, "Lintball Leo's Not-So-Stupid Questions About Your Body". He said it was really good.

Brooke - posted on 03/10/2009

My son is about to be 13 and at his last checkup, the doctor was able to pinpoint that he was about to begin stage 3 out of 5 of puberty (the voice changing was coming next). It was really helpful to know what to expect so you may want to check with your pediatrician. I also bought him a book to read so he'd know what to expect.

Debbie - posted on 03/10/2009

My stepson just turned 11 ... what age do you think puberty generally starts at? I was guessing 13 but I could be totally wrong. Especially since things seem to happen to children much quicker it seems. I know I didn't have to worry about puberty myself really until I was 14 but now days some girls are 9 when they have to worry about it.

Susan - posted on 03/09/2009

All I know is that mine is starting to look at girls, and starting to want pictures of girls in bikinis for his room. I told him that wasn't appropriate, and that I wouldn't allow it. I told him I didn't want him thinking of girls that way. His voice hasn't "cracked" yet, but it is definitely lower than it used to be a few years ago. He doesn't have a high pitched voice anymore. Other than that, I'm clueless

Jolene - posted on 03/04/2009

Is it normal for boys to lay on everything and rub against it?

Joy - posted on 03/04/2009

My son is 12 and is starting to get hair on his upper lip and under his arms. This is the age that they started to change and the time that we start to talk to them about SEX. We just had a wonderful sermon at church about the subject. If you would like to hear it and how to talk to you children about it, it is on the web site. It is my churches web site http://www.experiencefriendship.com. Feel free to listen to it and get some tips on how to talk to your children about SEX. Hope this helps. God Bless and good luck.

Gwen - posted on 02/24/2009

have you had 'the talk' with him?  I'd also reccomend getting some books out of the library, some for you AND some for him.  And maybe come out point blank and say it... "I've noticed you seem to be starting puberty.  Any questions?"  And let him know who else he can talk to if he doesn't feel comfortable talking to you, like dad or an uncle or someone.

Yeah, the hair comes first, and is probably the easiest way to tell because he's probably gonna be shutting the bathroom door by now.  Fortunatly for me (ha ha), my 11 y.o. has nooooo problem telling me what's going on with his body. 

Tracie - posted on 02/24/2009

Armpit hair, hairier legs and arms are what I've noticed first. Their testicles grow first and then their penis will follow. A growth spurt usuallly accompanies puberty in boys and the voice change falls in there sometime too. I'd suggest finding a book. I read one called speaking of sex by meg hickling. It's a very good book aimed at parents and deals with all of this and also ways to help you keep open communication with your child. There are also lots of other good books and websites. Talk to your husband and your doctor. If you're having questions, imagine how many he has.



~Tracie Mom to 3 boys 14, 12 and 4 and a 2 year old daughter.