Bradley, age 14, reports being teased about his height. Which response is most appropriate?

Bradley, age 14, reports being teased about his height. Which response is most appropriate?

• A. It is normal to be teased by your friends; don't let it worry you
• B. You are very short for your age, so perhaps the doctor should examine you
• C. I will show you some exercises that will help you to develop your muscles
• D. All boys begin puberty at different ages, so you will probably grow and become more muscular when this happens

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is using a response that acknowledges normal differences in how teens grow and offers reassurance about what will happen as puberty progresses. At age 14, many boys are in the midst of puberty, and timing varies widely—some will grow taller or gain muscle as growth spurts occur, while others may not see big changes yet. The best reply validates his feelings about teasing and provides accurate, hopeful information without making him feel abnormal or pushing unhelpful steps. This option does that by saying boys begin puberty at different times, so growth and muscle development will likely happen as puberty progresses. It reassures him that his current height doesn’t determine his future and emphasizes natural variation rather than implying a medical problem or offering quick fixes. It avoids suggesting a doctor’s visit for height alone or promising specific exercises to change height, which aren’t reliable ways to alter how tall someone grows. The other responses miss the mark by either dismissing his feelings, implying a medical issue without signs, or suggesting exercises aimed at increasing height, which isn’t realistically achievable.

The main idea here is using a response that acknowledges normal differences in how teens grow and offers reassurance about what will happen as puberty progresses. At age 14, many boys are in the midst of puberty, and timing varies widely—some will grow taller or gain muscle as growth spurts occur, while others may not see big changes yet. The best reply validates his feelings about teasing and provides accurate, hopeful information without making him feel abnormal or pushing unhelpful steps.

This option does that by saying boys begin puberty at different times, so growth and muscle development will likely happen as puberty progresses. It reassures him that his current height doesn’t determine his future and emphasizes natural variation rather than implying a medical problem or offering quick fixes. It avoids suggesting a doctor’s visit for height alone or promising specific exercises to change height, which aren’t reliable ways to alter how tall someone grows.

The other responses miss the mark by either dismissing his feelings, implying a medical issue without signs, or suggesting exercises aimed at increasing height, which isn’t realistically achievable.