To start: no, there are no “trusted male figures” in our lives. My brothers & father are all conservative, and I DO NOT trust them to properly explain things without shame and/or religious context.
My son knows the basics of reproduction, but I’ve never really explained what’s “normal” things for a teenage boy to go through… mainly because I don’t know!
I’ve definitely put it off, so he’s almost 14 and is much more physically mature than most of his peers (he’s got hair in places, shaves his face regularly, etc.)… but I’m embarrassed to admit that I know next to nothing about anything else…
Could y’all help me out? What did you go through that he should know about? What should I know about?
Many thanks to anyone who can help. Please don’t be unkind. Much appreciated.
EDIT: Thank you so much for all the advice so far!! Please keep it up!!
My son & I have very open communication & a very good relationship.
“Back in my day” (shakes fist angrily at the world) I was 11 participating in adult evolution vs creationism forums with plenty of nut jobs. Pedos were on aol chat. I watched porn on my dad’s computer, pirated music and Naruto, played games Instead of talking to girls. It’s certainly a different world, but not thaaattt different.
I think you are downplaying the effect of current style social media. The cycle and spirals they perpetuate to people that don’t know they should be swimming against the current, rather than letting it carry them where it is going.