WHAT’S NORMAL
• First of all, it’s normal to feel unsure about the changes in your body. That’s why this book was written, to help you sort out some of the questions you might have.
• It’s also normal to develop more slowly or quickly than your friends and other boys you know. Every boy has his own pace for physical and emotional development.
• It’s normal to feel unsettled about yourself and your relationships. Puberty is a very confusing and sometimes awkward time . . . for everyone. Right now feeling weird is perfectly normal!
• It’s normal to have embarrassing things—like your voice cracking during a presentation—happen to you. At the time, it may seem like the worst thing that’s ever happened in your life, but in a few weeks or a few months you’ll forget all about it.
• It’s normal to want to make changes in your life. You’re growing up and things aren’t supposed to stay the same.
• Asking your dad or mom or another adult to help you with whatever challenges you are facing as move through puberty is not just normal, it’s ideal. That what your parents are there for!
• Growing hair in some unexpected places is totally normal. And if you don’t grow hair in some places you might expect to, that’s probably normal too. The hair might start growing in later, or it may not come at all.
• Looking to take on more responsibility, to be more in control of your life (even as your life seems to be more out of control) is normal. This is the time in your life when you are starting to gain a little bit of real independence. Your behavior will determine just how much impendence you can handle at this time in your life.
• So don’t sweat it. It may take a little while, but sooner or later, you’ll find that all these changes have sorted themselves out and you feel . . .perfectly normal!