Talking about sex or masturbation can be uncomfortable for parents and their children. However, educating your child regarding masturbation is extremely important. We have found the top 5 tips for talking to your kid about masturbation.
- Perfect to explore
You know that masturbation is normal. You probably indulged in it when you were young. So it doesn’t come as a surprise that your kids are self-pleasuring themselves. But then what do you do?
Curiosity is to humans. And so when you happen to check into his room and find your child exploring beneath his undergarment, don’t act weird. Instead, apologize for intruding.
Desist from condemning or using harsh words. But let the child know that it’s ok to it once in a while, without feeling guilty.
According to an article published on Healthy Children website, children are always curious about their bodies. Even a toddler may explore under their undies.
There is nothing wrong with these self-soothing actions, per the article titled “Sexual Behaviors in Young Children: What’s Normal, What Not?”. Their pulling, touching and rubbing their genitals, is more about curiosity about their bodies than sexual.
All children are different, and so is the interest in their bodies. While you don’t want to shame the one who enjoys self-gratification, you shouldn’t encourage the other who isn’t into this deed.
Appreciate each child’s uniqueness. One may seek solace from touching his genitals while another may not even bother about this part of the body. And there is nothing wrong with both of them.
- Emphasize privacy
But what do you do when informed that your child is obsessed with playing with his loins in school? Well, this is different. Not that it’s a bad show, but the child shouldn’t work his body in public.
In this situation, let him understand that this is his private parts. Emphasize to the child that he shouldn’t manipulate his genitalia in public. Further, inform him that he shouldn’t allow any other person, including his best friends, to touch it.
To instill good mannerism, outline things that he shouldn’t do in public. These include even actions that appear normal. They include nose-picking, farting, and scratching their bottoms. Even when these parts itch, they should go to the bathroom and use a handkerchief to scratch or clean the area.
The same discipline goes for masturbation. Inform the kid that he should manipulate himself only behind a closed door. And if he has a sleepover, he shouldn’t touch himself at all.
- Start conversation
As a parent, know that sooner or later, your child could masturbate. You may or may not be aware of it. So what do you?
It’s better to preempt the situation. And what better way is there than to initiate a talk. Remember that even if you ignore it, the child won’t stop this playtime soothe.
Your approach to this matter may build or break your child’s trust. So, like with all the matter parenting, take the bull by the horn. It’s wise if you talk to each child individually. This shows you respect their privacy.
Further, each child’s reaction to this discussion could be different. But how do you begin? Set a free time when your talk is unlikely to be interrupted. Then talk in a flat tone, without showing any emotion.
Although the words shouldn’t be descriptive, they must not be vague either. What if the child is disinterested? Don’t worry, continue the topic to run. Maybe the child would wonder why. But its better they know about it.
If they confirm a liking, then don’t act horrified, embarrassed, or annoyed. Also, don’t punish or abuse the child. Be ready for anything – silence, awe, or disbelief.
- Expand the conversation
After the initial advice, one child may be confused or horrified. Yet others may be annoyed and ignore it. But you will still find one who is interested and may seek more information.
Still, initiating these talks are difficult, per an article on Focus on the Family website. You have to garner the courage and resolve to discuss and prepare them for the inevitable, earlier.
An article titled “Talking to Kids About Masturbation,” advises you to have a clear objective on the topic. You also have to simplify the conversation giving sufficient details, but without being graphic.
So, leave the door open. Let the children the freedom to ask any questions later on if they want additional clarifications.
In this situation, and depending on the age and interest, prepare for more detailed talks with facts. Make it a discussion style talk where they may ask questions. But expect disturbing questions and revelations.
Don’t condemn him when he informs you that he is already indulging in self-pleasuring. It’s here that you must set boundaries on where and when to do it. Tell them when it’s not right to give more time to this act.
Finally, tell them who may touch them and under what circumstances. These people should include a close or trusted person such as a doctor or a teacher, who may take his temperature, assess any injury or infection around their genitals.
- Seek medical advice
But this talk may bring some uncomfortable revelation. The child may reveal that he has a compelling obsession with this act. And that this disruption prevents him from concentrating in school or with his friends.
Or he may also inform you that he has been touched inappropriately with his friends. Alternatively, he also may tell you that he is tempted to touch his friend’s genital.
You need to investigate further such information. Meanwhile, emphasize on the personal barriers and the need to maintain privacy. But if your concern grows about their actions, then you should seek medical help.
Sex therapists are trained to tide errand kids, according to a Medical News Today publication.
If masturbation is disorienting your child’s mind, it may create more turmoil when facing puberty and adolescence. But talking to psychologist or therapist helps.
These experts, as per the article titled “Ways to stop masturbation,” would intervene and modulate the errand behavior while addressing negative sexual thoughts clouding your child’s mind.
And discussing sexual attitude is best left to them. Don’t let guilt and pain ruin the special relationship with your child. By monitoring his actions and talking freely with him, you will save your child from a problem.
Sometimes the children simply grow over this habit once they have known their anatomy well.
In conclusion, we have provided five easy tips you can use to talk to your kid about masturbation. We know it can be embarrassing, but we hope that with these tips, you can easily overcome the embarrassment and talk about the real issues.
SIMILAR QUESTION
How To Talk About Masturbation With Your Teens
Introduction
As a parent, discussing masturbation with your teens can be an uncomfortable topic, but it is an important conversation to have. Masturbation is a normal and healthy part of human development, and talking to your teens about it can help them make informed decisions about their sexual health. This paper will discuss the importance of talking to your teens about masturbation, how to talk about it, and how to provide them with accurate information.
Why Talk About Masturbation With Teens?
Talking to your teens about masturbation is important for a variety of reasons. Firstly, discussing masturbation can help your teen feel comfortable talking to you about sexual matters. It also helps to reduce the stigma around masturbation and encourages teens to make healthy, informed decisions about their own sexual health. Additionally, talking to your teens about masturbation can help them to better understand their own bodies, and it can provide them with valuable information about contraception and safe sex practices.
How to Talk About Masturbation With Teens
When talking to your teens about masturbation, it is important to be honest and open. Start by addressing any myths or misconceptions about masturbation that they may have heard. Let them know that masturbation is a normal and healthy part of human development, and that it is not something to be ashamed of. Additionally, it is important to provide accurate information about sexual health, contraception, and safe sex practices.
Providing Accurate Information
When discussing masturbation with your teens, it is important to provide them with accurate information about sexual health. Let them know that it is important to practice safe sex, and provide them with information about contraception and STI prevention. Additionally, it is important to let them know that it is important to respect their own bodies and the bodies of others.
Conclusion
Talking to your teens about masturbation can be an intimidating topic, but it is an important conversation to have. Masturbation is a normal and healthy part of human development, and talking to your teens about it can help them make informed decisions about their sexual health. This paper has discussed the importance of talking to your teens about masturbation, how to talk about it, and how to provide them with accurate information.
