For the past year, I have been working on a new book, I’m a Boy, Hormones!, to explain to boys what is changing in their body during puberty. After spending time with many boys, I have come to understand more about their needs and I have a lot of compassion for them.

Here is some of what I have learned:

• Boys are not usually comfortable talking about their body.

• Boys do not enjoy discussing puberty topics in groups or really anywhere.

• Boys prefer to be private about the changes they experience, even with their parents.

If you have a daughter, you have probably had fun times with her shopping for clothes and chatting about how she is feeling about life. She probably spends a great amount of time with friends sharing even the smallest details of her life.

It is very different if you are raising a son. Boys tend to be more private about what they are feeling and when they are with friends they focus more on activities than talking.

It is challenging for parents of sons because boys tend to resist any attempts to talk to them about their body and especially about puberty. You know it is important for them to understand their changing body but most parents are at a loss about how to communicate these changes to them.

You are not alone.

In desperation, you hope the school presentation in 5^th grade will cover all of the information your son needs to know. Maybe you have searched for a book to teach him and have been alarmed at the graphic information on sexuality. In most families parents are uncertain about whether mom or dad should initiate the conversation. There are many issues that surround this delicate topic.

We do know that boys face many new challenges as they enter puberty. I can only imagine how concerned they are when they have their first wet dream. I am not sure how they respond when they experience a spontaneous erection during school. Although they might not want to talk about it, I know they are confused and concerned about what is happening to them.

With the help of many young boys, I have written a book that describes “why” they are experiencing changes in their body.

The focus is not on feelings but on FUNCTION. There is a clear depth to the information that will benefit them throughout their teen years and beyond. I don’t think these books need to be silly because this is a serious topic. The illustrations are accurate and helpful.

I want to help you as you teach your son. Please go to my website and see the Questions and Answers available to you and I will be writing numerous blogs that focus on boys in puberty.

Also, I encourage you to send me questions that I can answer for you that will help other parents as well.