If you are a father should you teach your son about sex?

Answer 1

In the modern world this task is probably one which has been taken over by others already. Children are sexualised at a much earlier age generally and your son will already have learnt most of it before you have your little talk, unless he has led a very sheltered life. A good approach is to get a good illustrated book or a video (documentary style) which will show and explain all the things in a matter of fact way. Then you can pick up any threads and deal with uncertainties and perhaps the moral side of things - about not getting a girl pregnant, the risk of aids, sex before marriage, the necessity for contraception, perhaps some assurance that they can always talk to you about anything anytime. Perhaps (this is very modern) you could offer to help supply him with contraception when he becomes sexually active or maybe put some condoms in his drawer for when that time comes (don't let them get old though). The book or video will help avoid a certain amount of embarrassment on the part of some parents when talking about subjects like masturbation for example. I wouldn't worry too much about this. If you remember when you were your son's age, you will remember that you were probably not entirely clueless and you ended up fathering your son! Mikl