Puberty is that time in life when kids' bodies change and become more like grownups'. So it's no surprise that kids have LOTS of "personal questions" about these changes.

My dad isn't around. How can I talk to my mom about guy stuff?

When you're going through all the changes of puberty, you should have someone you can go to when you have a question or concern. That person could be your mom. (Moms know about guy stuff, too!) You could also turn to a male relative, like a grandfather, uncle, or older cousin. When you visit your doctor, you can ask him or her questions. They're experts in how kids' bodies grow and change.

One easy place to start is with a website for kids (like this one!) or a good book about growing up. Your mom could help you find one or you could search the health section in your local library. Sometimes knowing a few facts can help you feel more comfortable when talking to your mom about growing up.

I have a lump on one of my testicles. What should I do?

You should tell your mom or dad about any lumps or swelling in your testicles. You will need to visit the doctor. The doctor will have to examine your testicles and feel for the lumps. It shouldn't hurt and it's the best way for the doctor to check it out.

Lumps in the testicles could be many things. Some are perfectly normal. For example, you may be feeling the epididymis, the tightly coiled tube where sperm are stored. Other lumps may be signs of a problem that won't go away on its own, so tell your mom or dad and then see the doctor.

One of my testicles hangs lower than the other. What should I do?

This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. Either side may be slightly larger or hang lower. But be sure to tell a parent (who will let your doctor know) if you have any pain, swelling, or lumps in your testicles.

My doctor is a woman and I feel weird about it, especially if I have to be naked. What should I do?

Little kids often run around naked and think nothing of it. But as you get older, you get more aware of your body and have an increased need for privacy. So it can feel strange to take off your clothes at the doctor's office. But your doctor does need to examine you to make sure you are healthy.

To make you more comfortable, you can ask that your mom or dad come into the exam room with you. Or, if you prefer, you could ask that a nurse come into the room, so you're not alone with the doctor. You can also ask for a gown — a thin robe that ties. Most doctor offices have these available for patients.



Can you teach me how to find a girlfriend when I grow up? I don't want to be lonely!

Sometimes it seems like everywhere you look, you see couples. You might see them walking hand-in-hand down your street or even kissing in movies or on TV shows. So it's common to wonder how you will get your very own girlfriend (or boyfriend) when you are older. How will someone decide that you are a very special person worth spending more time with?

The good news is that it usually happens pretty naturally. As you grow up, girls and boys get more and more interested in one another. In the teen years, many kids want to experience what it's like to go on dates and be part of a couple. So someday you might meet someone in school or at a party and develop an interest in her. Maybe the two of you will talk or exchange phone numbers  or even discover that you both like the exact same music groups.

Next comes the tricky part. When feelings are mutual you both are interested in each other in the same way things work can work out pretty well. But sometimes the girl you like only likes you as a friend or already has a boyfriend. Sigh. What can you do then? Keep hanging out with your friends and having a good time. Try not to be too focused on getting a girlfriend and you just might meet someone special when you least expect it!

How do you tell a girl you don't like her as a girlfriend?

It happens a lot someone likes you, but you don't like the person back, at least not in that way. What's a guy to do? Ignoring her would be rude. Telling her to go away or saying "no way!" would be unkind and hurt her feelings. But not telling the truth about it doesn't work either because then she might think you like her, too.

One boy said his dad told him not to hurt the girl's feelings, which made him really confused. How do you not hurt someone's feelings when the answer is "no"?

Being honest about how you feel is always a good thing as long as you say it kindly, without being mean on purpose. It shows the kind of person you are and it's part of being your best self. Don't forget that it's a compliment when someone likes you. Maybe she thinks you're cute, funny, kind, smart, cool just irresistible in whatever way.

It feels good to know that someone likes you. But it doesn't feel so good when you like someone, then find out that the other person doesn't feel the same way. So she's probably going to be disappointed. Still, maybe you can think of a friendly compliment to give her when you tell her you just want to be friends.

Here's an example: "You're a nice [or cool, pretty, smart] girl, but I like you just as a friend, not a girlfriend. I hope you're OK with that."

Good luck and we hope that works!


Why don't any girls like me?

Some boys are happy to keep girls at a distance right now. But others might be wondering when they will get a girlfriend, especially if their friends already have them. For starters, don't be so sure that no girl likes you. Some girls are too shy to say anything. It can be so embarrassing if someone finds out! Or you might be friends with a girl who likes you, but you just never thought of her that way.

The best advice we can give for right now is to enjoy the girls who are your friends. You also might think about the kind of girls you like. Lots of guys say they like girls who are pretty, but what else? Should she be smart and funny? If you burped really loud, would she be annoyed or laugh until her stomach hurt?