Both boys and girls experience physical, hormonal and emotional changes during this time. These changes are part of a process known as puberty. Many girls begin puberty at around 10, while boys often begin this process at around 11.
While boys will often hear things about puberty through school, media influences, and friends, it's important for your son to learn about the changes from you and his doctor. The timing of puberty is different for each boy. However, it usually starts between the ages of 9 and 16.
For a male, the physical changes of puberty usually start with the testicles getting bigger. Dark, coarse, curly hair will sprout just above the penis and on the scrotum. The penis and testes will get larger, and erections happen more often. Ejaculation — the release of sperm-containing semen —also happens.
During puberty, which generally begins between ages 11 and 15, a boy's testosterone levels soar. The increase in hormones transforms muscle mass, body odor, acne, vocal range, aggression, sexual desires, the desire to be in authority and other characteristics that distinguish males from females.
This surge of hormones, which marks the end of childhood and the onset of adolescence, typically begins by 9–10 years of age in girls and by 10–12 years of age in boys. Thus, the effects these hormones have on developing bodies and brains (and behavior) are usually beginning well before the teens.
With puberty around the corner, they may have more mood swings. They may be more sensitive or get discouraged easily, or become more self-conscious about their body. They'll still tend to see adults as authority figures, follow their rules, and accept the beliefs of your family.
This is a time of many physical, mental, emotional, and social changes. Hormones change as puberty begins. Most boys grow facial and pubic hair and their voices deepen. Most girls grow pubic hair and breasts, and start their period.
Emotions may fluctuate more around the time of a period, due to natural variations in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Other signs of puberty include the start of vaginal discharge, body odor, and hair growing in the pubic area, under the arms, and on the legs.
Once it begins, it lasts about 2 to 5 years. But every child is different. And there is a wide range of what is “normal.” Your girl may begin puberty a little earlier or later and finish sooner or later than her friends.
Adolescence brings a period of quite intense interacting physical, emotional, social and cognitive (thinking) changes. The release of hormones is responsible for the physical changes and, in boys, increased levels of testosterone can contribute to greater anger and aggression.
During puberty your child's emotions may become stronger and more intense. Their mood might change more frequently, quickly and randomly. Your child may have strong emotions that they've never experienced before. It's common for them to feel confused, scared or angry and not know why.
Nine-year-olds are maturing emotionally and becoming more cognitively advanced. They are continuing to grow taller and stronger and they may be mentally ready to excel in sports and other physical activities. But don't be surprised when they suddenly become tired, moody, or change interests day-to-day.
Usually, these changes begin between the ages of 8 and 14 for girls, and between 9 and 15 for guys. This wide range in age is normal, and it's why you may develop several years earlier (or later) than most of your friends.
Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It is a process that usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 and 16 for boys.
Once it begins, it lasts about 2 to 5 years. But every child is different. And there is a wide range of what is “normal.” Your boy may begin puberty a little earlier or later and finish sooner or later than his friends.
As they move toward puberty, their hormones begin to fluctuate, causing emotional instability. 1 Tweens also lack the emotional development to fully control their moods. In other words, they express exactly what they're feeling like they're feeling it.
Boys finish their growth and physical development. Many may not develop facial hair until this step in the process. Pubic hair may extend out to their thighs, and some boys may have a line of hair up to their belly button. Most boys finish growing by age 17, but some may continue growing through their early 20s.
At 10, your son likely is still closely attached to you. But they'll start to build stronger ties with friends and classmates, and group identification and peer pressure are growing at this age. Most of their friendships will be with other boys, but they may have more interest in girls.
Remember, negative feelings and emotions are normal during the pre-teenage years. She can learn to cope and manage these from the experiences she has. You might experience some difficult times ahead but it's not necessarily about tackling things the right way or the wrong way.
Is this normal? The short answer is yes, absolutely, and it's nothing to take too personally. For the long answer, you can keep reading this post on how to manage preteen girl attitude, and keep your relationship with your daughter going strong.
Boys do get hyper-emotional at 8
This stage is called adrenarche and it is prep for the hormonal onslaught that is puberty. Although both boys and girls go through adrenarche, it is more likely to cause emotional upheaval for boys than girls. It could result in more tears, but also more outbursts and aggression.
Social milestones
Become more independent and want to do things for themselves more. Start forming stronger, complex friendships and peer relationships. Show more interest in friends and less interest in family. Friends are more likely to influence their appearance, interests, and behaviors.
Mood swings and irritability are common in the middle school years, particularly within the family. Increased pressures at school and within peer groups, along with confusion and anxiety over puberty, are often cited reasons for the increased emotionality in young teens.