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Tackling the Tough Stuff
How to Talk to Your Teenage Son By Shel Franco
The idea of talking with your teen son about sex, drugs and alcohol may be giving you the willies, but have you thought about what you'd say if he asks about male reproductive organs, acne, healthy eating habits, exercise and everything else that constitutes growing up male? As a mom and the author of a book written especially for boys 13 years and older, Mavis Jukes offers some valuable insight.
iP: The Guy Book deals with some pretty racy topics. Is this book a replacement for parental communication?
MJ: Definitely not. And that's stated right at the front of the book. The Guy Book should be considered a resource part of a larger plan to deliver relevant, age-appropriate information to boys. Parents should always be ready to share their philosophical, religious, political, personal viewpoints about the issues in The Guy Book. Your boy is growing up, but he still looks to you for advice and guidance. Parents should also make it clear that they are available to discuss any and all topics in the book about which their boy has a question or concern.
In addition to giving a book such as The Guy Book to their boy, parents should support sex education classes being taught in school and hook him up with his health care professional (i.e. pediatrician) for routine exams and an opportunity for a (confidential) chat. The boy should be encouraged to discuss all aspects of his mental and physical health with his doctor.
iP: What can parents do to feel less anxious about discussing these topics with their teens?
MJ: Parents can be reassured knowing that certain topics in The Guy Book are sensitive and difficult to talk about and listen to for everybody. That's one reason why the book was written. Yes, it can be stressful to contemplate bringing up some of these subjects. Some parents find that taking a ride in the car is a good time and place to initiate a talk. That way, you're out in neutral territory and you can look out the window. But don't expect to cover all of the information at once. There's so much!
