When does puberty in boys begin?

Boys Mom ↓

Sat, Dec 22 2007, 7:50 pm

O.K. So b"h we're up to our oldest who is 10.5 and in fifth grade. I have noticed the past few months that he has a very thin mustache that is growing and I think his body is begginnig to change (He became broader recently.) Being that this is my oldest I really have no idea what to expect.

I have an appointment for a well visit by the pediatrician in a month and I will definately discuss it with him - but from all you experienced mothers is this early?!? And how do I handle this? I speak to him, the doc, dh? I'm going crazy since I have no idea what to do!!!

greenfire

Sat, Dec 22 2007, 8:02 pm

hormones surge in boys at 11, 14 & 18 ... generally ...

get his dad to speak to him about his changing body ... or else you go for it ...

and don't make such a big deal - you want him to be comfortable with himself ...

Ruchel

Sat, Dec 22 2007, 8:15 pm

From what I learned, this depends a LOT on race, social level, food and genetics. Speak to dh, if he was early too and all. Yes, 10 sounds extra extra early to me, but it seems in America puberty is extra early. Also if you are North African or Temani, you'll be much earlier than Ashkenazi, for example.

technic

Sat, Dec 22 2007, 8:25 pm

confession time...

OP I read ur post and thought 10.5, whats the big deal, it happens when it happens - and then I remembered I also have a 10.5 - and id freak out if he started a moustache - wayyyyy 2 soon, hes still my little boy!!!

Imaonwheels ↓

Mon, Dec 24 2007, 3:04 am

Ten and a half is probably the lowest end of normal. This should be a Tatty job. Talking to anyone female, even Mom, is bound to be uncomfortable. But as a former single parent, b'makom she ein ish...

I only know how long puberty affects parents, I have been in it for 16 years and have another 4-5 to go Crying

qwertyu ↓

Mon, Dec 24 2007, 5:03 pm

generaly puberty starts at 11+. he may have precoucios puberty [ early onset] having a slight amount of a facial hair is not really a sign.
my son had hair on his lip [very slight] since he was 8 and no other signs of puberty. he first started at 11.
does he have any other signs of puberty?

↑ Boys Mom

Mon, Dec 24 2007, 9:19 pm

Thank you for all of your helpful and calming advice.

Of course, I will let dh do the talking. I spoke with dh about it and he said that mechanchim nowadays say one should talk with their sons about changes. (because he said no one spoke to him.)

As this is our oldest what other signs of change would I be able to see?

Thanks again.

↑ Imaonwheels

Tue, Dec 25 2007, 11:47 am

Mom of 6 boys here. They are all different.

The same kind of touchiness and sensitivity about their bodies as girls.
They may ask questions about shmirat haeinayim that is meant as an opener to an adult male they trust.
Changing voice may cause discomfort down the road.
They need to know the physical side of their changes before hand as do girls.
They need to know the difference between sin and accident at some point.

Sister a little older will be a war. Always. Fighting with siblings of the opposite relations who are close in age and also developing is normal defense against improper feelings. It happens with step parents as well.

DS #1's class mashpia talked about it to make sure none of the boys were clueless. He knew not every family is open about these things.

The year before BM don't buy too many clothes. The following year they normally have an amazing growth spirt and you just have to buy it all over again.

If they need deodorant get it for them. Ditto shampoo for oily hair and something for cleaning oily skin. Oily hair and pimples are something girls complain about all the time and boys suffer in silence. Gently encourage them not to neglect their hygeine and appearance. Adolecence is hard enough w/o being laughed at. Especially those at both extremes - the early and late bloomers.

↑ qwertyu

Tue, Dec 25 2007, 4:10 pm

I surfed around so and this is the best explanion of stage 2 [begining of puberty]
Stage Two : Height increases and the shape of the body changes. Muscle tissue and fat develop at this time. The aureole, the dark skin around the nipple, darkens and increases in size. The tests and scrotum grow, but the aiver probably does not. A little bit of pubic hair begins to grow at the base of the p@nis.

That comes first, facial hair is stage 3.

Dayzmom

Tue, Mar 11 2008, 9:40 pm

Uh, I just found a few armpit hairs on my soon-to-turn 9 year son. He seems to be allergic to deoderant, even Dove, and I was smearing a little cortaid on him for relief. Lo and behold - I couldn't believe my eyes.

He has a well visit this week at the Dr. since his B-day is coming up. I will def. be mentioning this to him.