My son is 14, and still hasn't really started to develop any
facial hair yet. I know he feels very self-conscious about it,
since all of his friends have it. Is this normal? And what do I say
to make him feel better?
-
Jackson
Puberty brings about so many changes, it's easy for kids to
feel insecure about it. Acne, mood changes, growth spurts, and
hormonal changes - it's all part of growing up and everyone
goes through it, but not always at the same pace. Ideally, as a
parent, you've already started talking to your son about the
changes teens go through as they grow.
On average, boys begin going through puberty a little later than
girls, usually around age 11 or 12. But different kids develop at
different rates - starting anywhere between ages 9 and 14 is
normal, so it's natural for your son to feel behind the
curve.
If he continues to have questions or concerns about puberty
and development that you can't answer, a visit to his
doctor may help reassure him.
For more information, check out these articles:
Understanding Puberty
Talking to Your Child About Puberty
Your Child's Changing Voice
For Teens: A Guy's Guide to Body Image
For Teens: Shaving
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: January 2007
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