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Parent embarrassed by son masturbating

I recently walked in on my 14-year-old son masturbating.

I was so shocked I quickly closed the door. I want to find out how to talk to him as we are both embarrassed to bring up this topic.

MOM replies: Masturbation is a natural activity. He was giving in to his natural urges. Talking about it will make him even more uncomfortable.

If he is not harming himself or anyone, I suggest you leave him alone. Go back to your normal self and interact with him normally.

BOITUMELO replies:

Acknowledging and openly admitting your feelings of shock and embarrassment can be a good start to a conversation. Open up by expressing your feelings and that you don't even know how to speak to him about what you saw.

He might be able to relate and be willing to also share his experience of what happened.

I find that showing or sharing your vulnerable or emotional side helps people to connect with you or find you approachable. This can also be a good opportunity for a parent to start creating that platform of talking about such things so it won't be difficult to open up such topics.

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