Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Stages

Here’s when to expect your son’s voice to change and what to do about it

Voice changes in puberty can be awkward — what parents need to know

By

That sing-songy, high-low, cracking, and croaking voice means one thing — puberty has officially arrived. If your son’s voice is suddenly all over the map — oscillating between soprano and bass — it means that some major physical and anatomical changes are on the way. His larynx is growing, and his pitch will eventually drop and your son’s voice will start to change. Say goodbye to that sweet little boy and his sweet little voice, and say hello to your emerging mini man.

Want to understand how, why, and when this will all happen and need some tips on how to handle this somewhat awkward but oh-so-relatable situation? Here is what you need to know about boys’ voice changes.

Recommended Videos

Why does a boy’s voice change?

A boy's voice changing
Lapina/ Shutterstock

The gist of it is that surging testosterone causes the larynx and vocal folds to thicken and grow, which deepens the pitch and timbre of a boy’s voice. While a girl’s vocal cords will also grow during puberty, they will generally max out around 10 millimeters, while a boy’s, on the other hand, can get to 16 millimeters. The longer the vocal cords, the deeper the voice.

Related

When does a boy’s voice change?

A father and son talking
Motortion Films/ Shutterstock

This larynx growth generally starts around the active “Tanner stages” of puberty. This period also aligns with other hormonally driven physical and anatomical changes, too. His Adam’s apple will emerge (this is related to the larynx growth,) and, yes, his genitals are likely changing at this point, too.

Be aware that while this phase may kick off with a sudden growth spurt (like, you blinked and your kid grew a foot!), the overall change can be gradual. It may start around 11 or 12, and may end between 15 and 18 years of age. No two kids are alike, though, and some boys may go through this earlier or later than others. The whole puberty process can take up to three years. Some boys’ voices may take a while to adjust, while others may shift more quickly. If you or your child have any concerns, talk to your family’s pediatrician. (There is absolutely no shame in being inquisitive!)

How you can help your child

boy-speaks-with-father-about-pandemic-concerns
SDI Productions/Getty Images

It is important to talk to your child about the changes happening in his body. A squeaky, cracking voice is just one aspect of puberty you will want to address. Maintaining open and honest communication can make this confusing time less uncomfortable for your child. You want your guy to know that he can turn to you with any and all concerns (no judgment and no embarrassment ever!), so use anatomical terms, be straightforward, and always approach the situation with empathy. It may be challenging (this is your baby, after all), but try not to shy away from the conversation.

Yes, the physical implications of puberty can be awkward for your child. Their voice may crack during conversations and their face may redden with humiliation. It’s like these changes are on display for the world to see. But puberty is a fact of growing up and it is chock-full of all sorts of less-than-confidence-boosting milestones.

To this end, remind your child that everyone goes through this to some degree or another. Other boys’ voices will be changing on their own timetables. Girls, too, are experiencing other confusing developments. None of these so-called growing pains feel particularly empowering in the moment, but they are all important aspects of getting older and eventually becoming adults. With your support and love, you can help your vulnerable kiddo understand that this too shall pass. Soon enough, your son’s voice will emerge, deeper and steadier than ever!

Growing up is hard to do! When a boy’s voice changes, it means he has reached an exciting and, yes, fairly turbulent time of adolescence. It is going to be a wild ride for sure. While you can’t do much to expedite the process (remember, this stage of puberty can last for a few years!), you can help by educating yourself, educating your child, and showing you care with a listening ear. Your son’s voice may crack, but your steady support and love will never waver.

Editors' Recommendations

Nate Swanner
Nate Swanner
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nate is General Manager for all not-Digital-Trends properties at DTMG, including The Manual, Digital Trends en Espanol…
When do babies sleep through the night (and what the answer means for your child)?
This is the first question new parents want to know
A mother watching her baby sleep in their crib.

Every parent of a newborn has the same question after their first night with their precious new bundle of joy. When do babies sleep through the night? All it takes is those first sleepless 24 hours to wonder if you are ever going to sleep again. After a few days, you don't even remember when the last time you slept more than a few hours in one stretch was. We get it. Here's when babies sleep through the night, so you know when you will be done stumbling around in a zombie-like sleepless fog.
A baby's sleep schedule
Every baby is different, so if your babe isn't getting the exact amount of sleep by a certain age, it's not something to worry about. But there is a little guide to refer to.

Newborns up to 2 months old
Newborns do spend a decent amount of time sleeping. Unfortunately for the parents, it's not all at night. While babies less than 2 months old snooze up to 18 hours a day, with up to 10 of those hours being prime nighttime sleep hours, it isn't all at once.

Read more
What is nesting? Everything you need to know about this totally normal behavior
From feathery moms to human moms, nesting is a part of preparing for having a baby
Pregnant woman planning for baby.

From strange food cravings to constant body changes to not being able to tie your shoes, pregnancy brings about quite a few interesting shifts in life. One part of pregnancy that might seem to come out of nowhere is a fun stage called "nesting." If a vision of a bird prepping a nest for their little ones comes to mind, you are on the right track. It is along the same lines, but for people. Here's what nesting means when it doesn't relate to furry or feathery animals.

Nesting basics
What nesting is
From squirrels to cats, moms-to-be of various species have the need to create a space for their little one's arrival. Nesting is the urge to organize, clean, and prep the home for baby. It's that second wind feeling mom feels to get everything ready. And to double-check everything is ready. And maybe triple-check.
When nesting starts
A woman might feel the urge to start nesting toward the end of pregnancy or the third trimester, but it could hit in the fourth trimester. The feeling could come a few weeks before the baby's due date or as late as the week before. Every pregnancy is different, so the exact week varies, but if you are past the second trimester, the urge to redo the house isn't too far away.
Why nesting happens
The surge of adrenaline, hormones, and estrogen during the third trimester gives pregnant women a burst of energy to get things done. There's also the evolutionary factor where a mother is getting ready to protect their young.

Read more
How old do you have to be to fly alone? Read this before booking your kid’s trip
Find out the right age for solo flying and other important facts
Little girl watching movie on the seat-back TV screen while enjoying her airline meal

If you thought traveling with kids was stressful, try sending them off on a flight alone. For many parents, it's necessary to send their child on a flight by themselves, whether it's for a vacation, to visit a parent who lives far away, or for any number of reasons. If you find yourself in a position where your child may need to travel without you, you may ask yourself, "How old do you have to be to fly alone?"
All airlines have their own rules and regulations regarding unaccompanied minors, so parents or caregivers must be aware that there isn't one specific set of rules that applies to all airlines. Before booking any trip, parents need to ensure they know the airline's policy regarding how old they have to be to fly alone and be aware that there are often extra fees that apply when a child flies without an adult.

When can children fly alone?
Typically, airlines have unaccompanied minor policies in place for children between the ages of 5 and 14 years old, which means children under 5 are not allowed to fly solo, regardless of whether they're traveling with an older unaccompanied minor or not.

Read more