Are you sure? 

Okay Sana, first of all heyyy! Whats up! Well you just told me that so we’ll get to that in a minute. And why would anybody hate you man! You’re such a cutie! I know I haven’t seen you, but I just know. Aree haan haan Disha knows everything. (imagine me with a smug face)

Okay so first tell me, are you sure you’re reading this right? I mean maybe you’re stressed about something and reading into it somewhere else?

I know that happens. This has happened with me too bro! I hadn’t eaten all morning and suddenly I thought all my friends hated me. It’s actually pretty normal for overthinkers like us. Our brains just work like that.

So if you really think that your teacher hates you, first of all, assess yourself. Try to find out if you did anything to anger them or disrupt what they taught.

Not easy for them! 

I mean, socho yaar teachers already have it so stressful these days with learning all these online classes and working on phones and tablets in a way they never have. It must be difficult for them too. Upar se those merciless students who make it more difficult for them.

So, taken that you’re not overthinking because of stress maybe they are? They have so much to worry about and let’s be honest, not all the students make it easier. It might seem unreasonable to you sometimes but only you can help yourself in this situation.

First thing you can do is, the next time you feel like your teacher hates you, think about what made them angry. Is it something you did or maybe somebody else misbehaved? In either case, try to think about it from their perspective and better your or your classmates’ behaviour.

Sincere efforts 

Pay attention during your lectures, the teachers work really hard for the notes and it could be frustrating when nobody is paying attention to them. Be attentive, answer the questions you can and just be a sincere student. After all, it is you who will benefit from this. Right? So what’s the harm!

And after all the effort, sincere efforts, if you still don’t feel like it’s working, try talking about it to a trusted adult. It can be your sister, brother, cousin, aunty, mom, dad anyone. Anyone who you’re comfortable with. Tell them how you feel and they’ll help you handle it. 

You can also talk to another teacher at school – one you are comfortable with – and confide in her about how you feel? You can also talk to a senior in school who is taught by the same teacher and seek his/her help. And I’m sure it will be okay. To just chill and be a sincere and focused student.

Got a question or a doubt? Then come Ask Disha! The coolest Trusted Adult in India, Disha, will answer all your queries on Growing Up! Post them in the comments box below or send them to our Insta inbox! Disha will respond to them in upcoming columns. Please remember not to put out any personal information. 

#AskDisha is an advice column run by the editorial team at TeenBook India. The advice given in the columns is science-based but general in nature. Parents and adolescents should seek help from a professional or expert for specific concerns or issues.

Why is junk food so addictive?

• One aspect that makes junk food so tasty is the sensation of eating it. It is the taste, the smell and the feel of the foods also known as ‘orosensation’ that makes it so appetising. Junk food is designed by scientists (mostly employed by food companies) that spend hours to find that perfect crunch of the potato chips, the right amount of sweet and fizz in your soda and just enough cheese on your pizzas to make you go mmm! 
• Most junk food has a high amount of salt, sugar and trans and saturated fats that foods cause the release of neurotransmitters called dopamine and oxytocin from our brains. These neurotransmitters then transmit the feeling of relaxation, joy and pleasure, that makes us want to come back for more. Even though they have zilch nutritional value!
• The presentation of the food also matters! Have you noticed how red the sauce/ketchup is, and how vibrant the vegetables look? Companies achieve this by adding artificial colours to the food. They do this because our brains associate bright foods with them being healthier. What would you like — a nice big bright orange or a small dull one with spots on it? 
• Junk foods are also made to trick your brain into thinking that you are getting just enough energy or calories from the food but not enough to make you feel full and satisfied. This causes cravings and before you know it, you’ve eaten the entire packet of wafers!
• When you eat junk food, your brain registers how you feel while eating it and then the next time you even see or smell that good, that memory causes you to want to eat that food again and you also salivate. This causes you to want to eat junk food over and over again.
• Last but not the least is the texture of the food. Junk food is often a mixture of tantalizing combinations such as the crispy patties of burgers with soft buns and spicy sauces. This causes your brain to be stimulated and not get bored of the food.

But what’s the harm?

So we get it. It’s addictive. But still, what’s the harm in indulging your mind as well as your body? Well, that’s the point! Junk food is only meant to fool your brain and all it does to your body is harm. Here’s how: 

• Research shows that junk food makes us impulsive! It means that being on a diet of sugary and salty foods for a long time makes people give in to temptations easily and it makes it tough for adolescents to follow rules. 
• Excess junk food consumption also causes inflammation in the part of the brain called the hippocampus. Individuals with a damaged hippocampus report higher levels of hunger, which causes them to consume even more junk food! 
• Junk food is also known to shrink our brain’s learning capacity. Neurons help our brain remember and create memories and junk food reduces the neurons’ ability to form connections. It also reduces the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus, which could potentially lead to mental health illnesses. 
• Excessive junk food can make us unhealthy and obese, leading to digestive tract problems, and the possibility of getting various cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other health problems as we grow up. 

What can you do to eat less junk food?

It is important to realise that healthy, home-cooked food is delicious too! Consuming healthy foods will help you feel fuller and you will not feel the need to eat junk food! Eating less junk food also causes you to crave it less, making it easier for you to eat healthier food. 

Making different combinations of food such as crunchy cucumbers with creamy homemade sauces and dips can help you fulfil your cravings for something exciting and varied. Fruit chats, roasted namkeens and homemade versions of your favourite junk food with healthier ingredients should satisfy your junk food needs!

Do you have any questions for Science Lab? Post them in the comments box below. We will respond to them in our upcoming articles. Please don’t put any personal information.

Listen to this podcast –

This article was first published on Aug 9, 2022 . 

The genie of genes

Genes are fascinating! They basically define the traits you inherit from your parents. They provide the information that makes you, well you. These traits include physical features to behavioural patterns you get from Mumma and Daddy dearest. Now you don’t have to wonder how you got your Dad’s eyes or your Mom’s nose. You can thank genetics for that!

• Genes play a vital role in your growth and each gene has a special job to do. The Science Lab brings you ten interesting facts about genes!
• Genes are found in string-like structures called chromosomes. Chromosomes are found in every human cell in pairs, 23 pairs to be precise. One chromosome comes from your Mom while the other one is from your Dad. That’s what we call a true partnership!
• There is a method to how genes work. There are dominant genes which are strong and usually overpower the recessive (weaker) gene. A recessive gene won’t show up in your parents but could show up in you.
• So, consider this – how your eye colour is determined. Two dominant genes of brown eyes – one from Dad and one from Mom will give you brown eyes. One dominant gene of brown eyes and one recessive gene of green eyes will also result in brown eyes. However, if you inherited both recessive genes of green eyes, then guess what? You’ll have green eyes!
• Genetics just isn’t about inheriting traits from your parents. Traits can be passed down to you from them that don’t show in either of them.  It’s all because of the recessive genes we were just talking about. So if a person is tall but their parents aren’t, she may have got her height from another family member, say a grandparent or an aunt.
• Recessive genes can be hidden for generations. So just because everyone in your family wears glasses, there’s always a chance that you may not need them. All thanks to a great, great grand uncle whom you never met!
• When you hit puberty could also have something to do with your genes. Let’s say your Mom had her period when she was 12 so as a girl it is likely you could get your period around the same time. Likewise, as a guy, your voice may crack at the same age as your Dad’s did. Of course, this isn’t set in stone and isn’t true for all.
• As hormones surge through your body during puberty causing physical changes they also interact with your genes. This means a lot of the changes that you’re going through like your height, the size of your breasts, body hair growth and so on, are partially influenced by your genes.
• Behaviours such as mood swings, being an extrovert or preferring to stay quiet can also be attributed to genes. However, your surroundings and situation also play a key role in shaping up the person you grow to be. Happy and healthy relationships with your friends and family can make such a difference.
• Some scientists believe that children may also inherit certain talents from their families. Like how a musician’s child may become a musician as well. But then again, this isn’t true for all. Just because your Mom is good at maths, it doesn’t mean you have a liking for the same.  On the other hand, your parents could have two left feet but as you grow and develop skills, you may be the next Prabhu Deva!
• There are times when the wrong mix of genes may cause health complications. While many of them are found at birth, some may come to light, if any, as one grows older.  Regular medical check-ups are always a good idea to keep check on your health, no matter your age.
• There is no denying genes play an important part in your growth. However, your lifestyle and environment are key players as well. Toxins, poor nutrition, and no physical activity are harmful. Solely relying on good genes isn’t a wise idea. Eating right, getting rest, and exercising is just some of the ways to ensure you have good health.

Do you have any questions for Science Lab? Post them in the comments box below. We will respond to them in our upcoming articles. Please don’t put any personal information. 

‘Something is bugging me’

“Hey Sameer! What’s up? I haven’t seen you during lunch since forever!” said Neha as soon as she saw him walking towards her.

Also, do watch this video based on sexual assault below. Read the rest of the article below video:

Sameer had been avoiding going to the café for lunch for the last few weeks. He hadn’t talked to anyone about it yet and he really wanted to tell Neha, but he was still hesitant.

”Hey Neha, not much. I just had a lot of school work so I didn’t really get the time”, he replied.

“Don’t you try to fool me, we’re in the same class and you’re not even playing any sports these days so you have nothing to catch up on”, retorted Neha. “And you seem so distracted lately. It’s like you’re always looking over your shoulder”.

Neha was right. Sameer had been very uncomfortable lately and he couldn’t keep it from her anymore, “Yeah okay something is bugging me. But you have to promise not to tell anyone. ANYONE!”

“Woah grumpy pants, not to sound braggy but when have I ever done that. Okay so spill. What is going on?” asked Neha patiently.

‘He makes me feel awkward’

“Okay. So there’s this uncle in our neighbourhood who visits our house pretty often. And I feel like he’s been getting more and more physical with me lately. He always tries to hug me and kiss me. Even when I made it clear I didn’t like it, he laughed it off and did it anyway. I know he’s an elder but I have thought about it for so long and I swear I’m not overreacting, he just makes me really uncomfortable”, confessed Sameer somewhat nervously.

 “Hey! Why didn’t you tell me before? Are you okay?” asked a worried Neha. “No, no I’m okay. I just wasn’t sure anyone would believe me, so I’d been a little stressed about it”, said Sameer.

“Have you talked to your parents about this?” asked Neha. 

“No. That’s what I’m worried about. What if they don’t believe me? He is my father’s friend you know. What if they think I’m overreacting or doing it for attention?”

‘You’ve got to tell them’ 

“They’re your parents Sameer, of course, they’ll believe you. Just calm down and talk to them. Tell them why you feel uncomfortable and I’m sure they’ll understand”, advised Neha. 

“Yeah okay, I guess you’re right. I’ll talk to them today”, he sighed. “It will make me feel better, I guess.” 

“And thank you too, I didn’t realize talking to you would be so helpful”, he teased Neha. 

“Excuse me! I’m pretty awesome okay? But you have to promise to come back to the café for lunch, I can not handle these gossip bees for one more day, I swear!”, exclaimed Neha, pointing at a group of excited girls.

They both laughed and walked off as the bell rang for their next class. 

Have you ever been in this situation? Share with us in the comments box below. Remember not to share any personal information in the comment boxes.

Four friends 

Everyone loves to be happy! It is the greatest feeling in the world and although sometimes the feeling is hard to come by, you can do a few things that can help you feel better.

There are four hormones, let’s call them chaar yaar (or four friends) who live inside our body and help us feel good or happy! They are dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins. Really fancy names right? Well, let us introduce you to each one of them now. 

First, comes dopamine. It is the ‘feel-good’ hormone. It is released when we feel pleasure like winning that Call of Duty match or when we eat our favourite foods! It is also associated with learning, memory and our motor function system among others.

Next comes, serotonin, which helps regulate our mood and also plays an important role in our sleep, appetite, digestion, memory and learning abilities. Next time you feel moody, you know whom to blame! 

Now that you know about the two friends, let’s talk about the other two! We bet you’re going to love them too! 

Don’t forget to check out the amazing video Sad and Happy: Feelings Happen – below: Read the rest of the article below the video: 

Love and pain! 

So next comes oxytocin, also known as the ‘love hormone’ that helps promote trust, empathy and bonding in relationships. You can’t stop crushing about Ranveer Singh or BTS because of oxytocin! This hormone is also responsible for making you and your best friend – so madly in love with each other. 

Last comes the endorphins that are the body’s natural pain relievers! Yes, you heard it right. They are produced when the body experiences pain or discomfort. They also increase when you engage in reward-producing activities such as eating or working out! 

Next time you are feeling dull, lazy or depressed – go out for a long walk or indulge in cycling! Your endorphins will surely make you happy! 

Now that you know why and how you feel happy, let us tell you about various activities that you can partake in to feel happy! 

1. Spending time in nature is a great way to boost happiness. Exposure to sunlight can increase the production of serotonin and endorphins (don’t forget your sunscreen)!
2. Exercising is also a great way to feel positive! It increases one’s dopamine and serotonin levels. Doing it with friends is an added plus!
3. Laughter is the best medicine and, in this case, laughing with a friend can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, increasing your dopamine and endorphins levels! Bonding with someone while laughing also releases oxytocin, helping you feel extra happy!
4. Cooking or eating your favourite meal helps boost all the four happy hormones! While doing so, your dopamine and serotonin levels increase and while cooking with someone, oxytocin increases. Certain foods also release certain hormones. Spicy foods trigger endorphins to release while yoghurt, beans, and eggs along with low-fat meats and almonds help in dopamine release. Foods rich in tryptophan (an amino acid) such as eggs, cheese, fish, peanuts and milk help in the release of serotonin. 
5. Listening to music helps increase serotonin production! So, put on your favourite playlist and just vibe. Dancing also helps release oxytocin, so now you have an excuse to dance whenever!
6. Meditation also helps one to improve their sleep and reduce stress. This increases the release of dopamine and can also provide a nice dose of endorphins!
7. Spending time with your loved ones can also boost oxytocin, making you feel relaxed and positive. 
8. Being surrounded by animals also helps in the release of oxytocin. So pet the dog you see and cuddle with cats, it’s worth it!
9. Getting a good night’s sleep also increases dopamine, making you feel refreshed and energetic!
10.  Massages help one release stress and boost all the four happy hormones! 
11.  Practising gratitude helps one realise all the things they should be happy for, focusing on the positive rather than the negative, boosting dopamine.
12.  Being kind to others and helping other people have also proven to be activities that help boost our happy hormones!

 Fun facts on happiness! 

1. Happiness is contagious! 
2. Spending time with happy people can make you happy too. 
3. Floral scents (especially roses) can make you happier. 
4. Happiness helps build a stronger immune system. Less cold and flu! 
5. Happy people live longer.
6. Happy people experience less stress. 
7. Happiness has its own day! 20 March is World Happiness Day!

So remember, the next time you are feeling down or a little sad, try doing a few of these activities or just eating your favourite foods! 

Do you have any questions for Science Lab? Post them in the comments box below. We will respond to them in our upcoming articles. Please don’t put any personal information.
Listen to this podcast –

The D-word 

Mehul’s (13)  parents are not on good terms with each other and have always had fights for as long as he can remember. However, last night was really stressful as his father left home after a massive fight saying he would file for a divorce. 

Divorce? He can’t get the word out of his head and the thought that his parents would separate. He is scared that his life will change forever. 

What would they say?

He was also worried about what to say to his friends. Would they judge him? Would they think ill of his family? Would they think his parents are bad people?

His thoughts were interrupted as his friends began talking to him during morning meal time.

“Why aren’t you eating any food, Mehul? Don’t you like the taste?” Ansh asked.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I was thinking about something”, Mehul answered.

“Is something wrong with you, Mehul? You look really distracted these days”, Sakshi asked with concern.

“No no, everything is fine yaar. Nothing is wrong”, Mehul replied.

“You can talk to us, Mehul. You will feel better”, Pranav suggested.

“I don’t want to talk about it, guys. I know all of you will judge me a lot”, said Mehul.

“We can’t force you to share anything with us but I assure you that we are your friends no matter what and friends don’t judge”, said Ansh.

“Whatever it is that you’re facing, we’ll try to help you get through it”, Sakshi added.

“Okay, I will tell you guys”, he hesitated a little, “My parents…they are….. divorcing each other and I don’t know what to do about it. My life will change forever”, he couldn’t control his tears as he managed to get the words out of himself. 

“Oh my god. I hope you’re okay. This sounds so scary. What will you do now?” said Ansh.

“Stop it, Ansh! You are making him feel more anxious this way. It will get better with time, Mehul. Trust me”, said Pranav.

I get it 

“I don’t know. Yesterday Papa left the house and I have been so scared since then. How will this ever get better? I will not be able to live with both of my parents anymore. I will not have a family the way you all do”, Mehul cried.

“Mehul, I understand how hard this is going to be for you. I’ve been through it”, Pranav said softly.

There was a minute’s silence as this was the first time Pranav had shared this. Ansh and Sakshi seemed a bit taken aback but Mehul felt a little relieved as there would be at least someone who would understand what he was really going through.

“I am sorry Pranav. Were you scared too?” asked Mehul.

“I remember initially I was more scared about what everyone else would think about my family. I didn’t want anyone around me to get to know about this either. But you can’t really ensure that. Instead, after a time I stopped caring about what others were saying as it made me more upset. You shouldn’t care about what others will say. I know it’s hard but try not to think about that”, Pranav replied.

It’s not the end 

“But how hard was it for you to get through this entire process of your parents separating?” asked Mehul.

“I will not lie to you. Initially it was really hard to go through this process. It takes a lot of time, but after that things do settle down and you realise that you aren’t in an unhealthy environment anymore. You too will gradually feel better and realise that all the things that have been disrupting your physical and mental health will fade away”, Pranav answered.

“But I don’t want to be separated from my parents. I can’t live without any of them. I need  both of them”, said Mehul as he became teary-eyed once again.

“I know it is hard Mehul. But them separating doesn’t necessarily mean that you will lose them. In my case, my parents have been able to provide my sister and I with more and better-quality time. It feels like I am getting more attention from them now than I did before their separation. Even though this is not the same for everyone. But you should hope for the best”, said Pranav with a sense of comfort in his voice.

Mehul nodded without much confidence in his manner. 

Give it time

Pranav continued speaking, “I remember I thought settling down would be impossible for me. But as you leave an unhealthy environment, you will begin to realise after a period of time that as your parents are not fighting anymore, your day to day life will not be disrupted and this will make your healing process easier”, said Pranav.

“Things will get better. Trust me. Time is the key to that”, he added. 

“Yes, I am sure this will get better. Even though it may not feel like that right now”, said Sakshi giving Mehul a tight hug.

“And we are all here to support you. You can always talk to us”, said Ansh, as he patted Mehul’s shoulder.

As the bell rang, they all walked back to the class with Mehul in the centre. Mehul was now feeling a bit lighter. He was still feeling very upset about his parent’s divorce. But he was glad to have his friends by his side. 

Have you ever been in this situation? Share with us in the comments box below. Remember not to share any personal information in the comment boxes.

Just not hungry 

Avi walked to her usual spot near the back of the dining hall where her friends were eagerly waiting for her so they could all start eating. The five of them placed their lunch boxes next to each other and began eating. It felt like a huge potluck. 

Also, do watch this video on Teen Angst below. Read the rest of the article below video:

As the initial hunger washed away, Avi noticed that Roshni had barely touched anything, even though her favourite Pav Bhaji was right in front of her. 

“Rosh, why haven’t you eaten anything? Is everything alright?” Avi questioned her. 

Romil, Saniya and Riya turned towards Roshni and urged her to eat something. Roshni smiled and refused to eat. 

“I’m not hungry, yaar,” she mumbled weakly and turned to face the window on the side. 

“But you didn’t eat anything yesterday either… or the day before that! Are you sure everything is okay?” Riya questioned her. 

“Haaaaan!” Roshni replied while still facing the window. “I just have to skip lunch for a week and then I’ll be one step closer to having a waist like Kim Kardashian.”

Check out this video on –why you don’t feel good about your looks, below: Read the rest of the article below the video:

Does it work? 

Is this the right thing to do?

“What? I don’t think it works like that, Rosh…” Avi replied, alarmed. “Where did you read this?” 

“It was on this Instagram page, they give tips and diets on how to lose weight quickly so you can look like your favourite celebrity! And it is working, I lost 2 kgs this week and –” Roshni was cut off by Saniya. 

“Sacchi? I’ll follow them too!” Before Roshni could give Saniya the username Avi stopped her.

“Roshni, Saniya that is wrong! You should never starve yourself to lose weight. I used to think that way too until last summer, I fainted at home while exercising on an empty stomach,” Avi said. 

Everyone around the table looked at Avi in shock. 

Isn’t exercising good? 

“At the hospital, the doctors explained to me that what I was doing was more harmful for my body and mind than eating that extra slice of cake or packet of chips. During puberty – the time we are in, we tend to put on weight due to the hormonal changes in our body. This increase in weight, especially fat is a normal part of growing up and helps cushion important organs in our body,” Avi was patiently talking. 

Roshni and Saniya’s faces lit up with realization. “But isn’t exercising and dieting good for you?” Roshni inquired. 

“Yes, being conscious of what you are eating and exercising for muscle development is great for you but skipping meals and over-exerting yourself can be damaging for health!” Romil chimed in. “Mumma explained this to me when I had started training for basketball.”

 Just the way we are

“But everyone on social media has perfect bodies and I am nowhere close to that, looking at them just makes me feel bad about myself,” Saniya admitted in a defeated tone. 

“What I found to be really helpful was to unfollow those people who promoted such unrealistic expectations. They have professional trainers and chefs who guide them and cook for them. Did you know most of these celebrities usually have surgeries to have their bodies look the way they do? I never knew any of this until I read a few articles my doctor suggested to me. I will send them to you all!” Avi stated. 

Saniya continued “That makes so much sense. Perhaps we should ask our Physical Education teacher Miss Nidhi to organise a session where we can ask her more questions and she can give us the right answers from the correct sources!”

Everyone around the table exchanged looks and nodded in agreement. 

“Guys, we all are beautiful just the way we are. We need food and exercise to nourish our minds and body. From now on we will be more open with each other and talk about our problems no matter what, okay?” Romil smiled brightly. 

Roshni quickly grabbed the last pav and started eating while everyone laughed knowing she would finish it before the bell rang for class. 

Have you felt the need to skip a meal like Rohni to look good? Share with us in the comments box below. Remember not to share any personal information in the comment boxes.

Peer pressure

So you are facing peer pressure? How do you feel? Wait, but first, what really is
peer pressure? Let’s first understand peer pressure and then learn how to deal with it. 

Peer pressure in simple terms can be defined as “doing something you don’t like, to impress your friends or to fit in with them.” These friends might be from your school/college, your neighbourhood, your social groups or even your cousins, who are of more or less the same
age as you. 

Sometimes this might also happen during the process of making new friends. You might
try to do or behave in a manner they like, in order to fit in. 

You know, this pressure is felt and dealt differently by different people. And while
some of us may be able to identify the risks and are able to resist peer pressure, some of us might give in. It also depends on the situation we may find ourselves in.

Also, don’t forget to check out this amazing video on intimacy in relationships:

To do or not to do? 

In this context, let’s talk about the peer pressure that you are under – to have a relationship or a physical/sexual contact. 

Teenagers can often assume, also perhaps an impression cultivated by movies, that
everyone their age is having sex and has to express their love by accepting a sexual request from their bf/gf. 

So the first thing to know is both of these things are not true. Whatever the
perception everyone is not having sex and that one does not need to comply with a sexual request to express their love.

Another important point to note is that sexual contact before the age of 18 is illegal
in our country.

Furthermore, during teenage, sexual involvement is not advisable because it can have negative effects on one’s mental growth and development.

It is also a good idea to wait, until we feel that we have the emotional bandwidth and capability to handle consequences that such a contact may generate. 

But the pressure…

That’s all fine, you may say. But what to do about all the pressure! For that,
let’s first understand why you feel this pressure. Here are some of the common reasons: 

So how to deal with peer pressure about sexual contact? Here are a few practical tips: 

Niyatii N Shah is a sexuality educator, intimacy coach, author, TedX speaker based out of Mumbai. She can be found on Twitter here. 

Have a query? Ask our experts! In this column, we take questions from adolescents and their parents on growing up, adolescence, puberty and everything in between; and put them to subject matter experts. 

So that ball shaped object bobbing up and down in your father’s or brother’s necks when he’s drinking a glass of water or while he’s swallowing, talking and probably even when you’re getting a scolding – well that throbbing “thingamajig”, is called an Adam’s apple or if you want to get all scientific – the laryngeal prominence or larynx (rhymes with jinx).  

Your larynx, also called the voice box is located in the front part of your throat. It is literally what gives you your one of a kind voice and contains your vocal chords (yup, your crooning abilities come from here). Press your fingers against the front part of your throat and you’ll feel your larynx vibrate when you say something. Cool, isn’t it?

Wondering when you’ll get an Adam’s apple and why is it called that? Read on!

• During puberty the larynx, just like other parts of your body grows. As it gets bigger, the larynx starts to jut outwards in the front part of your throat. And that protruding ball shaped object is called an Adam’s apple.
• Why is it called an Adam’s apple, you ask? The story goes; Adam ate a piece of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. The piece of fruit got stuck in his throat and the name Adam’s apple stuck as well. Many also find the Adam’s apple similar to a tiny, round apple.
• The larynx grows for girls and boys, both. However, a girl’s doesn’t grow as much as a boy’s which is probably why the name Adam’s Apple is apt as it is prominent in men.
• The bigger larynx in boys gives them deeper voices in comparison to girls. This also causes the “cracking” of a boy’s voice. A girl’s voice also gets a little deeper as her larynx grows but since it doesn’t grow as much as a boy’s, her voice isn’t as deep.
• Now like all changes that happen during puberty, the growing of your larynx and the appearance of your Adam’s apple is a gradual affair. It takes time and when your voice cracks and it sounds broken or squeaky, keep in mind this is just the effect of your Adam’s apple adapting to its change in size. In the end it’ll grow to its full capacity, just as it is meant to.

Do you have any questions for Science Lab? Post them in the comments box below. We will respond to them in our upcoming articles. Please don’t put any personal information.

Children as sexual beings 

Often in my practice, parents ask questions such as:


“I caught my teenager masturbating, now what should I do?” 

“My child is chatting with strangers on social media platforms and is not stopping.” 

“My daughter says she never wants to have kids because it hurts a lot. How do I change her mind?”

When I tell them that the answer to all their problems is Comprehensive Sexuality Education, a sudden and uncomfortable silence follows. 

That’s right. When it comes to sex education, parents unanimously vote for the abstinence approach, meaning they do not want their child to have sex or any kind of sexual activity. 

They would just say to me, “Just make sure my child understands that s/he MUST NOT indulge in sex or sexual activities!”

I understand, we all want our children to be safe. Safe from strangers, from an unwanted pregnancy and heart breaks. Many parents also want their children to give priority to their studies and career and hence promote abstinence. 

But does that work? The short answer is no. Humans are sexual beings, children are human, hence children are sexual beings.

If we tell them they must not think about these feelings, can our children suddenly not feel attracted to someone? Would they not talk to new people and develop new feelings? Would they not explore? They would! 

So, the first step is to understand these facts and accept them. The next step would be to prepare our teenagers for handling this side of their journey to adulthood, help them stay safe and develop themselves into independent, happy and healthy individuals. 

Sexual Development and Behaviour 

The next thing I tell parents is to be cognizant of the sexual developments and behavioural changes children may undergo during their adolescent years. Often parents are too caught up with education and career paths, that this side of things may be left unobserved or at least keenly so. 

Understanding these developments, help you understand your teens better. Once you know what’s happening with them, you can explore ways to help them.

10-13 years (Early adolescence) 

14-18 years (Late adolescence) 

These are only a few of several changes that your children may be experiencing as they go through adolescence.

Once you are mindful of what your children are going through, you can guide or help them. But they will only follow your guidance or let you help them if you acknowledge how they feel and think.

Teenagers are in the process of becoming independent individuals having their own beliefs and values. The more you understand them and allow them to have their own understanding of things, the more they trust you to guide them in the right direction. Else most children believe their parents are orthodox and narrow minded and may shut them out from their journey to adulthood.

A few tips that will help you guide your child:

Just like toddlers learn to walk or recognize mom and dad, adolescents hit important milestones in how they recognize, experience and feel about their bodies. By understanding how your teenagers  grow and learn, you can play an important role in fostering their emotional and physical health and Comprehensive Sexuality Education is an integral part of it.

Last but not the least, as we often remind parents, Comprehensive Sexuality Education, is not teaching children just about sex. It teaches them to understand their bodies, their feelings and provides them the knowledge to navigate themselves as sexual beings. 

Without this education, they will step into adulthood but without a proper education and critical information. Would we do that once it comes to other aspects of adulthood such as financial independence? Then why the risk with this aspect that will govern a major part of their adult lives? I leave that question with you.  

Niyatii N Shah is a sexuality educator, intimacy coach, author, TedX speaker based out of Mumbai. She can be found on Twitter here. 

Have a query? Ask our experts! In this column, we take questions from adolescents and their parents on growing up, adolescence, puberty and everything in between; and put them to subject matter r experts. 

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