Reproduction – Who Needs to Know More, Boys or Girls?
If you have a choice, who do you think should be more knowledgeable about how babies are made, boys or girls?
Probably most of you say both boys and girls need to have this figured out so they can be prepared when the time comes. That is what I would say too.
But I have been intrigued by how much society expects of our daughters and how tolerant we are of our son’s lack of understanding.
Let me explain.
Although we consider ourselves to have advanced into the 21st century with an emphasis on equality of the sexes, that is just not how it is working out when it comes to teaching our boys about reproduction.
- The schools usually teach puberty during 5th grade, which is a little too early for most boys. I am not sure how much they grasp during these “shock and awe” sessions.
- By 5th grade most young girls need to have a pretty solid understanding of their reproductive system so they can be ready for their first period. They shop for bras, put pads in their backpacks and search for answers to prepare them for this ominous time. They learn early that taking care of their reproductive system is their responsibility.
For the last year I have been writing my newest book, I’m a Boy, Hormones! for boys who are 11+ years old.
This has been a completely different experience.
I have several junior editors (9-12th grade boys) who have helped me develop the text for all of my boy books and they also provide insightful reviews of the final drafts. I was surprised how many questions my junior editors had, even the ones who were seniors in high school, and how even basic information was new to them.
When the text and illustrations are ready for a new book, I search for parent/child review groups to give me feedback. The parents I asked to review my newest book about puberty for boys were eager to help me. But as they attempted to engage their sons in the review process, they were surprised at how resistant the boys were to go through the book and give them feedback. Even mentioning the opportunity to their sons put most families into turmoil!
So how does the turmoil usually end? Sadly, the boys often win and do not participate.
I want to advocate for a change in our parenting.
Shouldn’t our sons feel just as responsible to learn about their reproductive system as our daughters? It seems they should share the responsibility of understanding how babies are made because they will have an equal part in the experience.
Knowledge promotes responsibility and respect.
Certainly as parents, we want our teenage sons to mature into young adults who respect women and especially as it relates to the reproductive system.
Now I am writing my next book, Sexual Maturity (for ages 13+) and I plan to explain conception, birth control and sexual health topics (STDs) in the same detail that I have strived for in my other books. This is such important information for our young teens to understand.
If you have a choice, who do you think should be more knowledgeable about how babies are made, boys or girls?
Please accept my challenge to teach your son. Don’t let his resistance diminish your good sense of parenting. This knowledge will have a profound effect on his life now and for many years.
New Title Available! I’m a Boy, Hormones! for ages 11+
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