what is the best way to talk to my 12 year old son about the facts of life?what should i say?

Answer 1

If he's 12, I would bet a years pay he already knows.

probably for 5 or 6 years.

I would just get a few good books that explain everything and give him the books, and then let him know if he has any quesitons he can ask you.

Answer 2

WOW, you should have started this a long time ago, and then built up on it year after year. You are now going to have to tell absolutely everything! Wish you luck. It might help to get some books from the library - both for pictures and ideas. I guess you shouldn't try to do this all at one, if you have to put the full load on him. You will be surprized how much he already knows. Make sure he asks you lots of questions, so you can dispell myths. That's really important at this age. My son is now 14, and I still ask him about vocab. kids use - just to make sure he knows the proper meaning for terms he is hearing. Both parents need to keep an open dialogue with your pre-teen, because he may have questions he wants to ask either of you.

Answer 3

He probably already has a good idea about them, but start with talking about the changes he's going to go thru. Ask him if he has questions or has "heard things" and provide him with the truth. (and I mean THE TRUTH. For example - If he asks if you did drugs - tell the truth, but preface it with "I was wrong/an idiot.etc." If you aren't honest, and he finds out, it'll bite you big time.) This is also the time to make clear your beliefs and expecations. Tell him he can come to you to talk about ANYTHING without fear of reprocussions. (Those kids are the ones who don't get into trouble - they're the ones who help other kids.)

Good luck!

Answer 4

My children and I have had an ongoing discussion about babies, where they come from, etc. since they were little. My son is now 11 and he and I talk about respect, for himself and for others, in that capacity as well as in general. I have also talked with him about STDs, but we haven't really delved into this area yet. As my children get older and can understand more, and as issues develop, we will go more "in-depth" with our talks. As far as how we go about it, it's never been a formal discussion. We might be in the car or watching TV... If an opportunity comes up, we talk. For instance, Paris Hilton always provides such an opportunity! LOL

Answer 5

Be very real, chances are he knows more than you think already, kids are talking about sex, etc. really early but unfortunately, they don't have it quite right. Tell how a woman gets pregnant with a baby, talk about hormones and changes in the bodies of girls and boys as they get older, you don't have to get down to it but be scientific and open to any of his questions should he want to come to you in the future and hopefully he will.

Answer 6

Try picking up some educational books at either a local bookstore or your local library. they don't have to be graphic, start with;
"Dr. Ruth Talks to Kids" and "Dr. Ruth's Guide to Safer Sex" by Dr. Ruth Westheimer.
try not to preach, but be sure to inform him that there are many options out there.
don't just give him answers you think are right, make sure he knows you have researched the answers to his questions and they aren't just your opinion, but documented medical, and scientific facts.

Answer 7

First ask if he has any questions. If he does, answer them. Then ask if he knows where babies come from, and if he says no, then tell him, but at 12, he has probably already heard it from his friends, and at this point you just need to straighten out a few rumors/misconceptions that he has learned from his classmates - so if anything it should be humorous rather than awkward.

Answer 8

Are you kidding? He is 12 not 7. He already knows.

Answer 9

Good question. I have an 11 year old boy. Same problem. I was honest with him. Almost brutally honest. My thought was that if I don't tell him how things are going to go down, someone else will.

Answer 10

You didn't say if you are his mother or father, and that could make a BIG difference. Also, are the two of you comfortable with talking about that kind of stuff?