Category Archives: puberty

Bullying is a serious matter

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October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. That means now is a good time for us to talk about this important subject.

Bullying can occur at school or on the bus, in the neighborhood, on the playground— anywhere. Cyber bullying is also on the rise, where people use the internet or phone apps to harm others.

At the very least, bullying lowers self-esteem. But as we know, continual bullying can cause children and teens to withdraw socially, may create depression or other mental health issues, and can even result in physical harm.

Parental awareness is essential. It’s almost certain that your child will, at some point, either be on the receiving end of bullying behavior, or will bully someone else, or both. An article on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) website references a study from 1999, in which four out of five teens admitted to participating in bullying behavior at least once a month. Those who have been bullied often go on to mistreat others.

Conversations about appropriate behavior and language need to begin early between parent and child. Don’t hesitate to correct your child or teen when you hear name-calling or witness unkind behavior, even between siblings. They can learn early the boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Teach them how to express themselves, especially when hurt or angry, by using language that doesn’t cross the line into disrespect. Don’t tolerate violent acts against people or animals.

Of course, your kids are not always near you, and you won’t be aware of everything that happens to them or everything they do. Continue the conversation about bullying; remind them to walk away from confrontations and to inform a responsible adult if they experience or witness bullying. Talk about kindness; role-play sticky situations. Monitor their internet and cell phone activity and discuss what you find there.

Teach your kids some nonviolent and non-confrontational ways to handle conflict. There are excellent resources for this in the article mentioned above, also here and here.

Remember that school counselors and other therapists can be really helpful if your child or teen is a victim or perpetrator of bullying, and our office can always make a referral.

As children get older, remind them that they help create a safe environment for others. They can be a positive force by refusing to contribute to an atmosphere of hatred.

As the school year continues, things can get very hectic. Don’t forget to pay attention to what’s going on with your youngsters. Ask questions, be supportive, get help when needed. Let’s keep our schools and community safe for everyone’s children.

© MBS Writing Services, 2015, all rights reserved

Artwork by Shawna

Artwork by Shawna

Breast development in boys?

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As odd as it may sound, about three quarters of boys will develop some breast tissue early in their puberty.  This is a normal physical reaction to the increase of hormones, including estrogen, in the male body as it matures.

Gynecomastia, as it’s called, is a source of concern for many boys because they are unprepared for it and think something may be wrong with their bodies.  And, of course, it comes at a time in their lives when they may already feel insecure about their physical and sexual development, when they may already be uncomfortable in the locker room at school

Gynecomastia can start as tenderness or soreness around the nipple and can manifest in one or both breasts.  Most of the time, the tissue will only grow a half inch or so, and often will be just around the nipple.  It can take a couple of years to go away, but normally it will go away.

You should also know that certain medications, both prescription meds and illegal drugs, can cause gynecomastia.  In particular, anabolic steroids, marijuana or heroin can lead to gynecomastia, as can insulin and other prescription drugs.

The information for this blog was gleaned from an article on the website for the American Academy of Pediatrics, an article which contains much more information about male puberty and what changes a boy may expect in his body.

If your son has gynecomastia, make sure he knows the condition is common and will resolve itself with time. Show him this article.  Encourage him to talk to his physician who can assure him that nothing is wrong with his body or his development.

 

© MBS Writing Services, 2015, all rights reserved

When testicle pain can be a surgical emergency

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Sudden, severe testicular pain should always be taken seriously.  It can be a sign of testicular torsion, a dangerous condition that requires immediate surgery.

Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord inside one testicle becomes twisted, which cuts off blood supply to the testicle.  If surgery isn’t performed within 6 to 12 hours, then the testicle might have to be removed.  There is even the danger of permanent infertility.

While testicular torsion can occur at any age, it is most common between the ages of 12 and 20.  Rapid growth of the testicles during puberty can cause torsion, as can exercise or an injury.  However, torsion can occur during inactivity, even while asleep.

If your son complains of extreme testicular pain, even if it goes away, report this to your pediatrician.  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), up to 50 percent of patients with testicular torsion have had scrotum pain before.

Other symptoms:  the scrotum can become enlarged, red, and very painful; abdominal pain may accompany torsion, along with nausea and vomiting.

The AAP article also tells how the condition is diagnosed:

  • “Physical examination by a urologist;
  • Urinalysis, to detect presence of white blood cells;
  • A radionuclide scan or scrotal doppler ultrasound, to assess blood flow to the testicles;
  • Some urologists will take a patient with typical symptoms of torsion directly to the operating room.”

The bottom line:  take testicular pain very seriously.  It could be an emergency.

© 2014, MBS Writing Services, all rights reserved