Understanding Boy's Emotional Development at Ages 8-10:
The Science Behind Their Behavior
Understanding Boy's Emotional Development at Ages 8-10:
The Science Behind Their Behavior
Are you a parent feeling like the terrible twos are back? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s like Groundhog Day, but with more tantrums. Join us as we explore the joys (and challenges) of parenting and remind ourselves that this too shall pass. So, grab a coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in!
Parents of boys may have noticed a sudden increase in emotional outbursts and mood swings around the age of 8. This stage is known as adrenarche, which is a precursor to puberty. While both boys and girls go through this stage, it is more likely to cause emotional upheaval for boys than girls. In this blog post, we will explore the science behind adrenarche and its impact on boys’ emotions.
Adrenarche is a stage of development that occurs around the age of 8. It is characterized by the maturation of the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing hormones such as testosterone and cortisol. During adrenarche, the adrenal glands begin to produce more androgens, which are hormones that play a significant role in the development of male characteristics.
However, the increase in androgens can also lead to emotional changes in boys. Studies have shown that boys going through adrenarche may experience more mood swings, outbursts, and aggression than girls. This is because the androgens produced during adrenarche can interact with the brain and affect mood regulation.
One theory is that the increase in androgens may lead to changes in the amygdala, a part of the brain that is involved in emotion processing. Studies have shown that the amygdala is more active in boys than girls, which may contribute to the differences in emotional responses during adrenarche.
Another theory is that the increase in androgens may lead to changes in the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making and impulse control. Studies have shown that the prefrontal cortex develops more slowly in boys than girls, which may contribute to the increase in impulsive behaviour during adrenarche.
The increase in androgens produced during adrenarche can interact with the brain and affect mood regulation. Understanding the science behind adrenarche can help parents and caregivers support boys through this challenging stage of development.
So, parents, now we know that our boys’ hyper-emotional stage at 8-9 years old is just a passing phase. It’s not a sign that our child is going to be a moody teenager forever (well, not necessarily). It’s just their body and brain going through some changes as they prepare for puberty. So, let’s not panic when our son throws a tantrum over something minor or cries at the drop of a hat. Instead, let’s be there to support them and help them navigate this emotional rollercoaster. And who knows, maybe in a few years, we’ll be laughing about the time our son burst into tears because we ran out of his favourite cereal. After all, parenting is full of surprises!
Rhoda Chaalan
