My Teen Boy is a Late Bloomer
A Parent's Guide to Problems with Puberty
Being a late bloomer is not the end of the world. There is not a man alive that didn't eventually go through puberty. It will eventually happen. It just isn't any fun waiting. Of course, your first step to helping your son through this difficult period of time is to get reassurance from a family doctor that he will go through puberty. Then there are some things you can do as a parent to help your teen.
Knowing the Basics about Puberty
Puberty is defined as a time when a young boy will begin to develop physically into a young man. Typically these changes occur between the ages of ten to fourteen. However, those ages are not set in stone and many boys start early or late. The exact time will depend completely on a boy's biological makeup.
During this time a boy will begin to develop to produce higher levels of testosterone, the male hormone. This will increase the amount of body hair and also result in the infamous growth spurt. Depending on the individual puberty typically lasts from two to two-and-a-half years. Most often the start of puberty and the length are influenced by the DNA or genes passed on from a boy's parents. In other words, if mom or dad was a late bloomer, chances are at least one child will be a later bloomer as well.
How to Deal With Being a Late Bloomer
The teenage years are a time when most boys play sports and get involved with many other school activities. This can be a trying period for the boy who has not yet passed through puberty. Since the final stages of puberty include a time of growth in height and size for most boys, this can be very troubling for late bloomers. Many are not accepted into school sports programs, and are picked on by those who are part of that crowd. Many boys will find themselves the target of ridicule and teasing. This can be a very hard thing to deal with.
One of the most important things to relay to your son is that size is not everything in life. There are many activities to participate in that have nothing to do with size. Try to help your teen find hobbies or activities that do not focus on these traits. Many sports, like skateboarding and BMX bike riding, are better suited for smaller guys. He might also consider sports like hunting or fishing. These fun outdoor activities can be enjoyed by everyone. Find something that meets your teen's interests.
How to Cope With the Emotional Issues
Probably one of the hardest issues of being a late bloomer is the emotional roller coaster it can cause. Many boys feel that they do not fit into the various social circles for their age group. It can also be disconcerting to deal with females of the age group when you feel you are an outcast. Help your son consider that no one is perfect. Some good advice for him is to take a good look around at people and realize that none of them are without flaws. More importantly, point out that everyone one has unique qualities that make them special. If your son can find friends who are not critical and are willing to accept him for who he is, then he will be in a good place.
Understand that being a late bloomer is not the end of the world. Puberty will come, and things will change. Just give your son the support he needs, and even though he is a young man, he is never too old to hear the words, "I love you," from his family.
Note: This article is intended to be practical help and not medical advice. If your teenage son is a "late bloomer," it is essential that you talk with a family doctor about the problem to get the best medical advice and care for your child.
Help for Late Bloomers
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Partners & Parents
Latest Articles