My son just started high school, I wasn't prepared for this!!?

Question

my 14 year old son just started high school as a freshman. He has PE with all grades; some of the other guys are much older than him. Anyway, they have to shower after PE in the locker room. My son is very much a late bloomer physically so this is very embarassing to him. He said a couple seniors made comments today and called him "lil balls". He was upset; he is very insecure about his lack of body devolpment. What can i do for him? I'm a single mom.

My son feels terrible. He almost feels he deserves it; he said "but i do have little balls".

Answer 1

have your husband explain puberty and time doesn't matter.

have your husband show him what to look forward to (bound to be bigger than a thin teenagers).

have your husband check your sons equipment confirm he is just a late bloomer.

Answer 2

It's going to happen, even if it was a class just for 9th graders, since 14-year-old boys are all over the board when it comes to physical maturity. My son was the opposite, already 6' tall as a freshman but not a beanpole and still wasn't immune to locker room teasing. In his case they threatened to paint him green and call him the Jolly Green Giant. There will always be mentally immature idiots in the locker room who think it's fun to pick on individuals who aren't average.

A good comeback will help him earn some respect. They remember being there themselves and were probably treated the same way. As long as his comebacks are clever and humorous (but not insulting/fighting words) and accept the ribbing  with good spirit, he can turn this into a win.

Answer 3

i always disagreed with that showering thing tell your son to call those boys big balls... just joking, tell him to ignore them and that he'll develop i guess we don't understand that the they are so self conscious about the size of their hammer.Try asking that question in mens health maybe some men in that section have advice

Answer 4

I thought they had quit making kids shower after PE?  I guess not.

You know what for years people had to take showers at school ( myself included) Very few were scarred for life....

I would make sure he has a good solid support and give him some comebacks...such as "Its not the size that matters"

You might even rephrase the question and ask something along the lines of ...what are some comebacks for my freshman son who is getting comments in the shower at school.

Or if these are really bothersome you may want to talk with his guidance counsiler...This is considered bulling and should not be tollerated...you will not be able to get him out of PE....and if you turn in these kids your son will have to give names...

If your gut says you need to step in then do...If you think your son can handle this on his own then step back.....You are the parent and the only one who can make this call.

Good Luck  

Answer 5

OH, how sad. One thing that you can do is make sure that he understands puberty. Then help him come up with a good come back to say to those horrible kids. I think that most kids get teased at school for something and he hurts us so bad when it is our kids.