Boy Puberty

Boy Puberty Fears

Puberty can be a scary and a difficult time with many physical and emotional changes. It may even cause you to wonder if you are developing normally and if other boys your age feel the same. Reading on, you'll discover the facts about puberty, along with the fact that others feel exactly the same way you do.

Physical Changes

Noticing significant physical changes in your body may be the first indication of the start of teen boy puberty. The following chart will help you quickly spot and understand the physical changes happening in your body.

Key Terms

Before moving on, let’s take a look at some key terms that help to explain boy puberty even farther.

• Adolescence is the stage of the life cycle between the ages of 11 and 21.
• Hormones are special chemicals made by the body that cause changes.
• The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland found at the base of the brain. It is called the master gland or control gland because the hormones it produces control the endocrine glands.
• The hypothalamus is a small area of the brain that helps control the reproductive functions as well as many other important bodily functions.
• Puberty is the time in life when boys and girls become physically capable of producing offspring.
• Testosterone is the male hormone released into the bloodstream from the testes that causes the male secondary sex characteristics to develop during puberty.

Brain or Cognitive Changes

Not only are you wrestling with the physical changes of your body, but your brain is also experiencing rapid changes. Between the ages of 10 and 15 the brain develops the ability to think abstractly and reflectively (Will I go to heaven? Maybe I shouldn’t have done that). One begins to develop the ability to understand metaphors (puberty is like a caterpillar changing into a butterfly) and abstract mathematical concepts (like algebra), as well as the ability to reason about ideals like justice, religion or love. For example, because of these new found “thinking” abilities, you are able to question rules and to argue about whether those rules are reasonable and fair. You are now able to think about the future and to see the future in terms of years. Keep in mind that these abilities take time to develop, so you will continue to see the world as both abstract and concrete.

Socio-Emotional Changes

Socio-emotional change is a fancy way to say learning new social skills. During puberty, young adolescents begin to learn new social skills and expand their social world. Here one begins to develop and maintain close, supportive, personal friendships with others of the same age. This skill is essential to master as it helps you develop into a well-adjusted, competent adult. The development of this skill is further aided by the involvement in some group, such as the school newspaper, team sports, etc. In addition to close relationships with peers, maintaining a close and personal relationship with family is also important for a healthy sense of self. While you may look to your peers for guidance in dress, hairstyle and entertainment, it is through close personal family relationships that you learn affection, values and decision-making abilities; all needed ingredients to become a fully functioning adult.

Putting It All Together

Navigating the murky waters of puberty is tricky, and at times, can feel as if you’ve been cast afloat. In those difficult moments, remember that everything you are experiencing is perfectly normal and that others your age are going through the exact same thing. If you feel worried, or anxious, don’t hesitate to talk to a parent or a trusted teacher. Puberty, at one time or another, is something everyone goes through, so parents and teachers really will understand your concerns, and if they don’t, they can put you in contact with someone who does. It may feel awful now, but it does get easier. Instead of getting embarrassed the next time your voice cracks, be proud. All it means is that you are a normal teenage boy who will someday be a confident and competent adult.