How To Help A Young Singer Grow Into Their Changing Voice

Coaching (or parenting) a tween singer can feel like a rollercoaster. 

One day they are belting confidently, and the next, their voice cracks or strains on a note that used to feel easy.

If that sounds familiar, you are not alone, and there is nothing wrong with your child’s voice.

These changes are normal, temporary, and very much a part of growing up.

This post will walk you through:

• What happens to the voice during puberty

• Why high notes might suddenly feel strained

• How the Singing / Straw™ Sili can help rebalance and reduce vocal tension

• And how to make warmups fun and frustration-free

By the end, you will feel more confident supporting your young singer: with tools that are safe, gentle, and science-backed.

What Is Happening to the Voice During Puberty?

During puberty, hormonal changes can cause a roller coaster of effects, including muscular shifts, growth in the size of larynx (voice box) and vocal folds. This can result in shifts in vocal range, control, and tone.

Some common signs of voice change include:

• Sudden voice “cracks” or breaks between registers

• A breathy or hoarse tone, especially on higher notes

• Inconsistent range: a note that was easy last week might feel unreachable today

These changes are not exclusive to boys. 

All growing singers may experience vocal shifts, even if less dramatic.

The most important thing to know (and to remind your child of): this is normal. 

With time, support, and smart exercises, the voice adjusts and finds new strength. In fact, understanding and navigating your voice as it grows and changes is a lifelong journey!

Why Can High Notes Feel Harder?

Around ages 11 to 14, our hormones shift and this affects our voice directly. 

This can mean stronger and more stubborn TA muscles, less flexibility, increased sensitivity and inflammation. 

Which can lead to the vocal folds not vibrating as efficiently. 

This can make higher pitches feel breathy or tight. 

Many singers instinctively “push” to reach these notes, which leads to more tension.

This extra effort often feels like trying to sing while squeezing, not what we want. 

The goal is to reduce pressure, not add more - finding a balance in the voice.

Enter the Sili: A Simple Tool for a Calmer, Stronger Voice

The Singing / Straw Sili is a soft silicone straw designed for vocal training. It uses something called a semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercise, where part of the airflow is gently blocked.

This creates back pressure in the vocal tract, which helps:

• Align vocal fold vibration

• Reduce throat tension

• Improve breath coordination and tone

• Make singing feel smoother and more effortless

Think of it like a pressure reset for the voice… one that is fun to use and surprisingly calming for a stressed or changing vocal system.

Why the Sili Works Especially Well for Younger Singers

There are a few reasons why the Sili is a great fit for growing voices:

Soft and Safe
Made of food-grade silicone, the Sili is comfortable, flexible, and gentle on teeth. 

No sharp edges, no risk of chipped molars, and no discomfort for kids with braces.

Kid-Proof Durability
The Sili bends but does not break. It is ideal for young singers who might drop, twist, or chew things by habit.

Sized Just Right
With a 3mm internal diameter, the Sili provides the optimal resistance for most voices: enough to engage their vocal system without overworking it.

Fun to Use
The Sili comes in three colors (Slate Blue, Cloud Gray, Wisp Green) and turns vocal exercises into play. 

Kids often enjoy doing “sirens” or humming along to their favorite songs WITHOUT even realizing they are improving technique.

When something feels good, it gets used. 

And when vocal warmups feel like fun instead of a chore, singers are more likely to stick with it.

What If I’m Not Sure How to Teach It?

You do not have to do this alone. 

Every Sili Straw comes with access to the Singing / Straw app, which includes:

• Guided video warmups

• Beginner-friendly tutorials

• Clear visuals and voiceover support

• Progress tracking to help keep motivation up

Many families find it helpful to follow along together. 

And if your child prefers to learn from someone else? 

Let the app be the “coach,” while you offer quiet support in the background.

The New Year Bundle: A Smart Place to Start

If you want everything in one place, the New Year Singing / Straw Bundle was designed just for this moment.

It includes:
✔️ The Sili Straw (set of 3 soft silicone straws)
✔️ The “My Voice Today” Journal — for tracking daily vocal notes, progress, and goals
✔️ 3 months of full access to the Singing / Straw app

It is a beginner-friendly kit that helps younger singers build healthy vocal habits while staying playful and supported.

Final Thought:
Every growing voice deserves patience, support, and the right tools. 

This is not about pushing kids to perform: it is about protecting their joy in singing and giving them strategies to stay confident through change.

If you want to explore the bundle or try the app together, you can do that here >>>