If we are to make a list of our favourite societal taboos, masturbation would be somewhere near the top. It's only natural that talking about masturbation to your kids can fill you with nothing short of dread. After all, even adults dither talking openly about self-touch. But, experts say, parents should consider talking to their kids about this particular form of self-love as early as possible. And, how possibly can you go about it? Read on:
Be comfortable
Do not show diffidence or anxiety while broaching the topic. Do your homework; gather facts and write down what you intend to say, if it helps. The point is, you yourself need to feel comfortable first while talking about this subject. Get rid of your own shame. Refer to books and illustrations, if that makes you more comfortable speaking about self-touch.
It's normal
Try to stress right from the start that self-touch isn't abnormal. Tell your kids that it's a fact of life and they mustn't be feeling ashamed about it. And it's also okay if they don't indulge in this at all. Broadly speaking, this conversation with your child should be all about helping him or her gain a healthy understanding of sex.
A private affair
Also tell your child that masturbation is all about privacy. This isn't something that adults engage in openly. While masturbation is entirely appropriate, the solo act should be confined to a private space - this is what you need to convey to your child.