Every Parent Needs to Know These First Signs of Puberty in Boys

It seems like only yesterday that you brought your beautiful baby boy home from the hospital. But in what feels like the blink of an eye, that little tyke has transformed into a tween. Thing is, all it takes is one voice crack to let you know that puberty is possibly on its way. We spoke to a pediatrician to discuss what to look out for – so if you’re wondering what the first signs of puberty in boys are, read on. 

(Spoiler: there are a lot of them.)

What Is Puberty?

The acne. The peach fuzz. (Ugh, the body odor.) They are all a part of puberty, that delightful time when your child undergoes what’s essentially a total transformation. (Puberty is totally different for girls, by the way.) “Puberty is the stage of development when children experience physical and hormonal changes that lead to sexual maturity and growth spurts,” says Dr. Shannon Fox-Levine, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician and the South Florida Medical Director of Bluebird Kids Health. 

Thankfully, puberty is a pretty lengthy process. After all, imagine what it would be like for your child — and your family — to experience all these transitions at the same time. If you’re wondering when it will all begin, though, it might be sooner than you think. “Puberty in boys typically begins between 9 and 14 years of age,” says Fox-Levine. “It lasts 4-6 years and occurs in 5 stages.” 

What Are the Signs Of Puberty In Boys?

Stage 1 

Before your boy hits double digits, he may begin to experience prepubescence. (Think of it as the opening act to puberty.) It typically occurs between the ages of 9 and 11. But how will you know that your child is in this first phase? Well, you won’t, and most likely, your kid will be just as clueless. Fox-Levine explains, “The brain starts the process by signaling the testes to start growing, but there are no physical signs.” In this stage, ignorance is truly bliss — for everyone.

Stage 2

Early puberty occurs fairly quickly after stage 1, and this is when visible changes begin emerging. “The first physical sign is growth of the testicles and scrotum,” explains Fox-Levine. “The testicles enlarge, the scrotum becomes darker, and the skin is looser.” Pubic hair (albeit fine and thin) will begin to grow, and your child may experience spontaneous erections and wet dreams. Also, if you thought that you caught a whiff of your kid as they walked by, you’re not wrong. Your sweet son might start to get stinky, thanks to all those overactive sweat glands brought on by a surge in hormones. 

Stage 3

As your child enters the midway mark on his journey towards manhood, (between 13-15 years-old), a few new signs will begin to sprout — literally. Fine pubic hair is replaced by thicker, coarser hair that is clearly visible. Genitals will continue to grow, and the armpits will start to sprout hair, too. And the signature sign of puberty — acne — also occurs during this stage. “Acne begins due to an increase in oil production by the skin,” states Fox-Levine. Voice cracking is also a common occurrence, thanks to the growth and elongation of the vocal cords. 

Stage 4 

While the first three stages of puberty are all about intense growth, things start to slow down in stage 4. Occurring between the ages of 15-17 years-old, late-stage puberty highlights include a reduced growth rate, (up to four inches), and genitals reaching their adult size. Facial hair enters the chat, and you may even spy a mustache! Sperm production starts during this stage, too. Try not to be too surprised when there's an increase in arguments and door-slamming during stage 4. “Mood swings due to the increase in testosterone, the male hormone, can cause irritability and emotional sensitivity,” Fox-Levine states. 

Stage 5 

In the last chapter of the puberty saga, you’ll see the stabilization of the many changes that your child has already gone through – a sign that puberty is coming to a close. So what are the signs of puberty in boys ages 17-19 years-old? “Your child’s final adult height is reached with the closure of his growth plates, and hair is now present on the chest, abdomen and back,” she says. “Muscle mass increases and hormones stabilize, making your child more emotionally balanced.” 

What Happens If My Son Doesn’t Start Puberty When His Peers Do?

While the signs of puberty tend to follow a typical timeline, that’s not to say that all boys progress at the same pace. “Some boys may be late bloomers which can be challenging socially and emotionally,” says Fox-Levine. “Since your son may notice his peers going through growth spurts, he might feel there is something wrong with him.” The good news: healthy boys will eventually go through puberty, and their late start won’t hamper their ability to reach their full height or achieve other developmental milestones.  

What to Do When Your Son Is Going Through Puberty

Puberty is fraught with many emotions — for both you and your child. Speak with your child and offer encouragement when they need it. “Reassurance can be made to your child when puberty’s first signs begin since this is also the beginning of the growth spurt,” advises Fox-Levine. And when you don’t have all the answers, schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to have them address any issues that your child might be experiencing and to assess their overall growth and development.

One way you can support your kiddo through puberty is to continue making their health and wellness a priority. “Daily exercise, 9-11 hours of sleep at night, and healthy eating habits are all important for growth,” Fox-Levine says. 

Despite the dread it can invoke in both boys and parents alike, puberty is a very healthy part of growing up. And that’s why it’s important to reassure your kiddo that everything will eventually be okay. “Puberty can be a confusing time for your son and you,” says Fox-Levine. “Know the signs so you can help your child understand what is happening to his body.” 

The image featured at the top of this post is ©myboys.me/Shutterstock.com