For parents of teenagers, puberty can be a tumultuous time. In an adolescent's life numerous mental and hormonal changes are taking effect and changing your son into an entirely new person. Fortunately, by paying attention to a few distinguishable attributes, you can become aware of when your son is beginning to go through puberty and can prepare yourself accordingly.
Growth
One of the most obvious signs that your son is going through puberty is an immense amount of physical growth. During puberty your son will gain more height and weight than during any other time of his life, and growth spurts are a very good indication that puberty is beginning. In fact, according to "The Ohio State University Medical Center", it's not particularly uncommon for a male to gain as much as 65 lbs.or 12 inches in height during puberty.
Voice
Another accurate sign that your son is going through puberty is a change in his voice. Male voices begin to slowly deepen over time as a result of puberty's effects on the larynx. During this time, it's very common for males to experience frequent voice cracks as their voice continues to change. Towards the end of puberty, voice cracks will decrease, and your son's voice will be much deeper.
Body Hair
Another reliable sign that your son is going through puberty is a great increase in body hair. In particular, facial hair begins to become a major issue, and your son will likely have to begin shaving. Additionally, other areas of the body can potentially undergo significant growths in body hair, such as the chest, back, and armpits.
Libido
One other major change that occurs during puberty is a drastic increase in libido. Because the brain becomes so overwhelmed with testosterone during puberty, the adolescent male's thoughts become consumed with sex. In fact, according to Dr. Louann Brizendine in her book "The Male Brain", sexual thoughts arise in the typical male adolescent's mind at least once every couple minutes. If your son suddenly begins taking a new interest of members of the opposite sex, this is a strong sign that he is beginning to go through puberty.
References
- Ohio State University Medical Center: Puberty: Adolescent Male
- "The Male Brain"; Louann Brizendine; 2011
