15-17 Yrs: Physical Development

Your teenager is rapidly turning into an adult, at least physically. Your relationship will be changing too, but remember to provide love and reassurance.

You can still hug your teenage son, even if he’s taller than you now!

Boys grow rapidly during this stage and may finally begin to shoot past the girls. However, pubertal changes will continue at least until the age of 17.

Growing boys…

Appetite is usually large, accommodating rapid growth. Girls usually – but not always – complete puberty around this age and have less appetite.

Up, up, and away

Boys often look and move a little awkwardly as they try to adjust to their rapid increase in height. Your son may look gangly and hunch over while walking. This will gradually change as he adjusts to his size. He will also begin to look more ‘manly’ as his shoulders broaden and his muscles thicken all over.

No more soprano

Most boys’ voices break by 17. The penis and testicles usually reach full adult size and sperm becomes fully mature, with body and pubic hair becoming thicker and darker, and facial hair increasing. Your son may need to shave every few days.

Tags: Parenting, Teenage