Boys and Puberty

yup - that's pretty much it. They start to get a lot more private and protective of their bodies. Teach them now how to practice good hygiene and wash their face, etc. to avoid acne or ugly breakouts during puberty that can really damage a boy's self-esteem.

I also would encourage you to read "Bringing Up Boys" by Dobson or check out titles on raising boys by John Eldridge.

Yes, they do get emotional. Some more than others. There is a wonderful book we went through with our sons (before they went through puberty, before all the emotional conflicts, etc.) called "Preparing for Adolescence", by James Dobson. It is in workbook form, and helps them and you know what is going on and what to expect, some tips on how to get through it all well. We celebrated the onset (when our sons needed deoderant) by going to let them pick out their own deoderant and taking them to Sonic or something to celebrate the upcoming changes in manhood. I will tell you, that young men are somewhat like young goats at that stage.. they seem to get a charge out of butting into about anyone they can, and will challenge or push you more than usual. I've found that it's best not to take it personally, but definitely stand your ground without blowing your cool. The natural desire to rule and have dominion blossoms at this stage, and they need to have some areas that they can have dominion over, yet learn to accept and respect yours. Give them plenty of opportunities for physical exercise, stay playful and lighthearted in your attitude, be careful with your words, as they seem to be able to wound more in adolescence. Do express confidence and excitement in your sons whenever you can., and teach them how to work through their issues with strength and self-control.

Should have asked my husband when he was on the phone a few minutes ago. Not sure his experience was normal.....

Testosterone levels really increase during puberty making the big changes - deeper voice, hair growth, frequency in erections.

Here's what the American Academy of Pediatrics has on their parenting site that might be helpful to you:
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/grades...

Yes, they can get moody and emotional. It does depend on the personality. I have six sons and I've found that their worst traits as two-year olds were also their worst traits during puberty. My first was stubborn and as a young teen he wanted to do what he wanted to do. I refused to argue with him and told him to go somewhere quiet and cool off. My second was a mischievous toddler and teen. Nothing too bad. Just a little naughty. My third was quiet and easy-going as a toddler and a lazy teen, which was awful in terms of school work. My fourth whined quite a bit when he was little, and also when going through puberty. My fifth cried often when he was little. That translated into temper tantrums as a teen. My youngest, age 14, is still going through puberty. Two days ago he got very moody all of a sudden and I said something about going through puberty. He got really upset with me--he hates that word. In general, I've found the best way to deal with them at those times is to stay calm and in control, don't get into any kind of confrontation, and let them have some time to themselves. It passes, and by the time they get to be sixteen or seventeen they become really good sons.

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