Boys and Puberty: Answers To Your Questions
Affinity Health is a leading provider of high-quality healthcare. Here are their views on male puberty for all parents.
Knowing what to watch for can help you support your son through puberty.
Most boys enter puberty between ages nine and 14. But puberty begins when the body is ready. Every child develops at a different rate.
Affinity Health answers some FAQs about puberty and boys.
HOW TALL WILL YOUR SON BE?
Your son’s genes determine his full height. Consider how tall most men in your family are. Average family height can gauge your son’s development. But remember that nothing is certain. Your son may be taller or shorter.
“Despite what some may believe, height development is involuntary. There are no interventions that increase height,” says Murray Hewlett, Affinity Health CEO. “You can ensure normal development by encouraging your child to exercise and eat well.”
WHEN DO MALE MUSCLES DEVELOP?
You may have already noticed some boys developing chest muscles. Some boys might have broad shoulders. Other boys could be thinner and smaller.
Keep in mind that puberty occurs on its schedule. So, there’s no need to speed up your son’s muscle development.
WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH BODY HAIR?
During puberty, body hair begins to flourish. Some boys will develop facial hair on their chin, cheeks, and upper lip. Additionally, hair grows on the chest, armpits, and pubic region.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT CHANGES IN BODY ODOUR?
When body temperature rises, sweat comes out of the skin’s microscopic pores. Throughout puberty, hormones are often active. Hence adolescents sweat so much.
Sweat has water and trace amounts of other substances. By itself, it is not particularly odorous. But when it comes into contact with skin bacteria (which everyone has), it becomes odorous.
Encourage your child to take regular showers or baths, especially after sports or heavy sweating.
HOW CAN I ASSIST MY SON WITH ACNE AND PIMPLES?
Some children are more prone to acne than others. Skin grows oilier as its hormone levels rise. Teach your son how to cleanse their face to lessen or avoid acne. Consult a dermatologist if it becomes uncontrollable with over-the-counter remedies.
WHY IS MY SON SO IRRITABLE?
Your child may have told you everything that happened each day in elementary school. But as soon as they hit puberty, they may become more guarded. When you inquire about what occurred at school, you may receive responses such as “fine” or “nothing.”
Your preteen may also spend more time in their room and less time with the family. But it is still essential to also spend more time together. Do what you can to maintain the relationship.
WHY DOES MY SON’S VOICE SOUND DIFFERENT?
Although this may happen at the end of puberty, your child’s voice will deepen. After a growth spurt, the voice box expands with the rest of the body.
At first, your child’s voice may crack, which may be embarrassing. Offer reassurance that these changes are natural and experienced by everyone.
Puberty doesn’t happen overnight. It is a multi-year process involving many physical and hormonal changes. Consult your child’s physician for more information on male puberty.
ABOUT AFFINITY HEALTH
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