The 7-Minute Talk: Teaching Your Son About His Reproductive System
Two important recommendations for parents of 5-7 year old boys.
- Start early to teach your son about his reproductive system so he will be prepared for the changes that are coming.
- Teach him through tiny bits of information I call the 7-minute talk.
Young boys, 5-7 years old, have an inquisitive mind and are not embarrassed to talk about their body. But, they also have a short attention span. That’s why I like to recommend the 7-minute talk. It is perfect for them. It is also easy for parents because you only need to teach your son one small concept at a time.
Here’s an example of a 7-minute talk topic you can use with your son.
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Begin with a question: Do you know what your genitals are?
Your response: These are the correct words. Your genitals are your penis and your testicles. Your testicles are protected in a sack of skin called the scrotum. You might have heard your genitals called your “private parts” That’s because you need to protect them and not let anyone touch them, except maybe the doctor when we are with you. It’s important to remember to protect your genitals.
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This little talk can happen anywhere, maybe just riding in the car or spending time together at home. Keep it casual. There is plenty of time in the months and years ahead to fill in the details as their body changes.
Building from one 7-minute talk to the next over the next few months and years, your son will become confident during puberty because he already has learned so much from you. But maybe even more important, these small talks become the foundation of an open relationship between you and your son. That is a parenting treasure.
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