Questions and Answers for Boys ages 8 – 10
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- It has become obvious that my son’s body odor is changing. Does this mean he is in puberty?
- I want to make sure that my son knows about the changes that are going to happen to him as he enters puberty. Do you have any suggestions about how to start this conversation?
- How do we know if our son has started puberty?
- I have started to talk to my 9-year-old son about puberty and found out that he has learned a few things from friends but, sadly, the information was not correct. It is obvious this is going to be a challenging task to keep the conversation going. Do you have any suggestions for me?
- How can I help my son get ready for the puberty lesson his school will teach him this year (5th grade)?
QUESTION 1:
It has become obvious that my son’s body odor is changing. Does this mean he is in puberty?
ANSWER
The early signs of puberty can be seen in boys 8-10 years old. As the hormones of puberty begin to ramp up, one of the early signs is body odor. You have a little time before you will begin to see other changes, but among them your pediatrician will look for a slight enlargement of the testicles as another sign of early puberty and very fine pubic hair near the base of the penis.
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QUESTION 2:
I want to make sure that my son knows about the changes that are going to happen to him as he enters puberty. Do you have any suggestions about how to start this conversation?
ANSWER
It is wonderful that you are planning ahead for your son. His body will go through many changes and it is so much better that he knows what to expect!
Try starting with a casual conversation as you are going about your day. You could ask him if his teachers or friends have said anything about puberty. It would be good to know the information he already has. Boys, in particular, seem very uncomfortable with “big talks” so start with information gathering and then take baby steps from there over the next several months.
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QUESTION 3:
How do we know if our son has started puberty?
ANSWER
If your son is 8-10 years old, he is in the age group where most boys start showing signs of puberty. Both you and he might notice a change in his body odor as an early sign. Two other signs that are not as obvious is a slight increase in the size of his testicles and thin pubic hair at the base of his penis.
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QUESTION 4:
I have started to talk to my 9-year-old son about puberty and found out that he has learned a few things from friends but, sadly, the information was not correct. It is obvious this is going to be a challenging task to keep the conversation going. Do you have any suggestions for me?
ANSWER
My best suggestion is for you have a list of topics you want to make sure and cover over the next two years. A few important ones are changes in body odor, slight increase in the size of the testicles and the presence of very fine pubic hair near the base of the penis. There will also be emotional changes that he might begin to notice as he gets closer to 10 years old.
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QUESTION 5:
How can I help my son get ready for the puberty lesson his school will teach him this year (5th grade)?
ANSWER
Usually the school provides a preview session for parents. I would encourage you to attend and find out what they plan to teach. Most elementary schools do not discuss sexual content with a 5th grader. They will focus on the physical changes that your son is going to experience.
I have found that most boys are very uncomfortable with these sessions and so any information you can give him ahead of time will make it a more pleasant experience. Find a book that you like and either read it with him or leave it for him to read in preparation for the school lesson.
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