The Balls Talk at 10 years-old?

Note: This post speaks in the gender binary but acknowledges that not everybody falls into one of two categories.

“My 10 year-old just started middle school. He asked me the other day, ‘What does it mean to grow some balls?’ After a few clarifying questions, he explained some 7th grade boys, that he’s not friends with, said it to him on the bus.” -Mom of 3 boys

It can be challenging to address the potential body insecurities our sons may have as a mom. And we may not know how to develop our son’s body-confidence when we haven’t personally experienced that specific insecurity. But don’t worry, it’s just another thing that we have to take time and learn how to address as parents.

There are many slang terms and phrases associated with the testicles - some are compliments and others are insults. It’s usually around the Middle school (10,11,12) age where these slang terms and phrases are used and your kid may ask you, “What does it mean?”

How ready are you to explain it?

During the Middle school age, kids will start to go through puberty and may begin to feel self-conscious about their body. It’s very common for adolescents to wonder, “Am I normal?” “Is my body normal?” or “If others are talking about growing balls, why aren’t my balls growing?”

As adults, we know that this expression isn’t literal but to an adolescent, it can be concerning as they are aiming to fit in amongst their peers. You don’t have to wait for your kid to ask you this question to have a testicles talk! Here’s a few tips to ensure you cover the basics: