How can I talk to my son about something I caught him doing?

I had a daycare child, years ago that did it all the time. First time I saw it I panicked! Lol…director told me “no no…it’s normal behavior. Just remind her that it’s private and not for daycare.” Mom already knew the child did it too.

How did you catch him? If you walked into his room without knocking, apologise and say you will give him more privacy as now he’s growing up. If he was doing it in the living room ect explain that its a private thing and he needs to only do that in his bedroom in private but to come and talk to you if anything hurts or if he has questions

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If you say anything I would just tell him it’s natural & there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I’m sure he’s more embarrassed that you saw him!

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I would tell him that those kinds of things are normal for boys and that there is nothing wrong with it, but it is meant to do in his room with his door shut. That it is personal stuff and what he does in his own room behind his doors like that is his business and mommy isn’t judging him for it. My mom and I are raising my 15 year old together and we have just been open and honest with him about sex and we always answer any questions he has.

I would just leave it!! It’s completely normal!! Just yesterday I walked into my sons room, he’s 14 and seen him watching porn. I know now to knock lol! All I said to him is why are you watching porn and turn your tv down! He was watching it on his cellphone!! Anyways I walked out and he texts me mom btw if you haven’t realized that’s a normal thing for people at my age lol I was like ok then!! At least he’s doing it in his room

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I’d just say something simple like “hey kiddo, that’s private so, you can do that in your room when you’re alone”

  • just bc I wouldn’t want my LO doing it around company, school or other places. Nothing wrong with telling him where to. :heart::heart:
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I wouldn’t mention anything. Unless he is doing it in public.

It’s normal. Kudos to him for going somewhere private. Let him know it’s normal, you’re proud of him for doing it in private, as it is a personal and private act, and let him know you’re always around if he has any questions. Oh, maybe let him know you’ll knock before entering, in going forward. :speak_no_evil: He might appreciate the lightness in what may feel like an uncomfortable situation for you both. Way to not blame, shame or guilt him in any way!!

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I would be concerned …at age 8? What did he see ?

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I just tell my son to stop touching his penis and that you don’t do that in front of other people.

I used to do the same as a kid, it stopped happening once the phase broke through! all that happened was rubbing against it by accident and realizing my body liked how it felt which I’m sure is the same thing that’s happened with him!

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The best thing to do is to forget about it and make out as if nothing has happened . You will only inbarrace him and he will also think that hes done something wrong. He hasn’t!. Human nature. I was shagging my pillows all the time and I turned out fine :crazy_face::rofl::rofl:

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Just explain to him that is for private places like your room and then move on

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Normal for boys and girls to do this. Maybe explain it totally fine but it is something people do in private if they are doing it were others are seeing it.

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I caught my son doing a lot more than that…(amazed only of 5 boys I EVER caught… )
The Convo went as follows:
I can’t unsee that!!!

Never again did I open a “Boys” (doesn’t matter the age, wished all I caught what was what u did :rofl::rofl::rofl:) door again!!!

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If you make a big deal it will always be “taboo” creating the “comfort” zone to discuss that kinda thing Is very important.

I have a little boy and he’s finding himself now at 17 months. I plan to make it a nonchalant response like we don’t do that where others can see. It’s inappropriate, we will discuss it when you’re ready, if you have questions let me or your dad know and we will sit down with you. Otherwise only in private. And let it go.

It shows him it’s not bad or something to be guilty about, it’s not appropriate In front of people, and it’s not a big deal. Mom and dad are calm and I can talk to them with my questions.

If he comes to you to talk then that’s when you can address it as if it’s no big deal but here’s the rules. That way he doesn’t feel guilty or bad or anything like that for learning. :woman_shrugging:

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We went through this with my step son. We told him that type of behavior is something we only do in private when we’re alone. Like in the bathroom or his bedroom and we stressed that he needed to be alone with the door shut and locked if it had a lock so his siblings didn’t walk in

My son’s 12 and hormonal his also special needs he is going through the change I’ve just told it’s natural and normal to do it but u need to do it in privacy like the shower or bedroom

We don’t make a big deal of it, like at all, the first time it came up I just quickly said “hey bud, that’s something that you need to please do in private” and so he knows he can always go to his room or whatever and have some “private time”. At his age it’s not a sexual thing at all, just something he realized felt good and so he does it from time to time. Honestly aside from setting boundaries (like that it is a private thing to do in private etc) and making sure he understands that no one else should be touching his private parts, etc, then I wouldn’t really say anything about it.

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Hmmm… 8 is a bit young. Am a boy mom and around 12 is when I started knocking on my son’s door to enter. I never mentioned anything I may or may not have seen. But kids also need to know while it is normal that there is an appropriate time and place for everything. That said at age 8, I would be investigating a little more just be know for sure that he is safe and isn’t watching inappropriate things on you tube.

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Just tell him to do it in private. Only in his room. Don’t make him feel bad because it is normal. Just set boundaries. And maybe try and knock when he’s in his room alone

Just be sure to knock the door from now on. Leave it. Move on. He’s more embarrassed than you are and would be petrified if you talk to him. Just. Don’t. If it was in the open, tell him it’s something to do in private.

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It’s totally normal just reinforce that he needs to do that in private.

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Don’t make a big thing out of it. Just ask it might be a little boy thing just playing around

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He’s a boy! Don’t make a big deal out of this. Completely normal.

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I simply make sure they know it is a natural personal thing and to be private about it.

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Honestly, just have the puberty talk and be ready to have a sex talk if questions turn into it. If you take it too far too fast you might embarrass him too much

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From now on you are going to give the respect of a knock on the door of his room or bathroom BECAUSE he is a human that needs privacy. Right?
So tell h8m, that.
Good luck Mom, you got this.

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I would just tell him that there’s a time and place to be doing that and it’s a private matter so he should do it in his room or the shower… tell him it’s normal and that everyone does it nothing to be ashamed about :grin: hope that helps

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I would have a chat to him about it gently
A time when he is all good.
Let him know it’s okay and natural and that he can do it in private and you will give him his space. Make sure he knows he need to keep it clean after.
Also touch base with him on where and when it’s appropriate
Some boys will try playing with themselves watching tv etc. under a blanket with other people around and getting caught out like that is worse for him.
Offer him special shower time but it can be timed if that makes it easier too. Good luck :crossed_fingers:

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I would have the puberty and privacy talk. That way from here on out he’s open with you. He trusts you that he’s not in trouble.

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Just explain that it I perfectly normal but something that is private and alone

Puberty talk-there are books too, age appropriate too

Eight year old. I think I would discreetly look into if there is not something else going on. It could be all quite natural but I still think I would like to kbow.

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It sounds like an eight year old has already had some kind of sexual experience he shouldn’t have. check into his friends and heaven forbid molestation. He should not be doing this at this age don’t think. main thing, talk to his doctor, he will tell you real quick. They also have books on how to tell them which is hard for a mom instead of dad to do. Good luck. Don’t be disappointed what you find out because kids do grow up faster these days. My son wasn’t interested in sex until about 13 or 14 and then not much. His dad was around so he handled it. no problem.

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I would ask him where he learned that from or “what are you doing” and go from there. I son was doing that and he said “momma I’m dancing”

Or just don’t say anything. It’s normal.

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As long as he keeps it in his room,leave him to it. It’s normal.

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It is definitely normal! Just let him know that it’s something he needs to do in private. Just like no one can see his privates, no one should see him do that.

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I am a single mother of twin boys. One is far more ‘curious’ than the other. My conversation went like ‘son, this is absolutely normal. The only thing I ask is to be curious in a private space and if his door is closed I will always knock.’ I also told him that if he wants to know more about anything to let me know and we will order the books together. He did & we did. I can’t stress how important it is to let him know it is normal so he carries no shame. You’ve got this!

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I’m no expert, but I would maybe put it on you a bit… what I mean is to let him know that what he is doing is natural (because it is) and that doing it in private like he was is what needs to happen. I would apologize for not knocking and explain that you will do better so that his privacy is respected. If he has access to the internet I would be aware of what he is looking at because adult porn can be damaging mentally. It’s time to talk safety and consent. He is going to potentially get defensive or embarrassed so just let him know the talk needs to happen, but if it would be easier on him you can give him books to look at. They have books to help kids his age understand. I would start googling. Also the fact that you are even trying to get guidance means you are an amazing mom :heart:

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The talk is coming soon. Ask him where he learned such things and go from there. Help him understand the things hes doing but puberty isn’t far off and he needs 2 understand that his body and emotions will soon start changing. Since hes also 8 maybe start 2 give him the curtesy of knocking before entering a his room. I’d have a strong male role model around like an uncle or grandpa maybe that he might feel more comfortable talking 2 about these things.

Have a male talk to him that’s early to be doing that

How about blocking the sites that he usually opens? I mean the internet, is He somehow being infront of the computer? Kids these days are very curious specially in that age :blush: And he’s just an 8 year old boy. Why not having a fun with ur boys outside? so he will not occupied with those things. :blush:

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Help a mama out and respond anonymously on our forum. How can I talk to my son about something I caught him doing? - Mamas Uncut

Yes it is a normal thing but I would still bring up the subject openly because they may start doing it to little girls maybe jokingly but still not acceptable. I don’t agree with sweeping it under the rug. Some things are great lesson teaching opportunities you do that will not only teach him but it may open doors to future questions he may wanna come to you for and know he can feel comfortable in doing so. Definitely no shaming. Ask questions and let him own up to his actions.

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It’s normal let him do it if u make him think its not ok he’s going to grow up thinking its wrong… I work inna daycare I see kids doing this all the time at nap time… as young as 2 yra olddd!

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Just tell him if he’s going to do it to do it in his room when people aren’t around and tell him it’s perfectly normal. And just talk to him about it

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It’s a normal thing. I got two boys I got one that likes to surf porn and masturbate. And then I got one that’s not interested in himself at all. What we do in our household for this, is we sat down and we explain to him that’s a normal thing there’s nothing bad about it but that is something that you need to do in private. So we have a thing where he goes to his room tells us I need some private time and shut the door and we let him do what he does and when he’s done he’ll come out.
Also it’s a good time stress handwashing and good hygiene habits. Lol.

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I used to find my son bouncing face down on his bed. I just let him go. It’s a boy thing . Don’t embarrass him.
He grew out of it.

Be honest with him. Tell him it is a natural response while his hormones change. My Grandsons always have had an open communication. If you have a man in your lives that you trust to talk to him would be great but if not then pull up the big girl panties and explain away before all the kids at school educate him

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Guess you should just go ahead and give him the talk about sex, consent, and let him know he’s not doing anything wrong, but it is private and he should be discreet. Let him know if he has any questions its ok to come to you and talk about it

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Well humping a pillow…
In today’s video games if they have some how seen games or it might not even be in the relem or f what we think as adults.
My older son taught my younger son how to tea bag at age 2. :roll_eyes: it will be okay.

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Tell him this is a normal thing to do, but it is a private thing also. Honestly explain that other people might feel uncomfortable if he did this in front of them.
Set a boundary that you feel comfortable with such as
do this when you are alone in your room with the door closed.

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Straight up. It’ll be awkward. Tell to lock the door.

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You don’t need to say anything. He did nothing wrong, so why focus on it

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Ignore it, normal. Be concerned the moment he starts doing it in public.

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You haven’t had a boyfriend that has done that to you randomly? It’s from instinct :rofl:

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Normal … start paying attention while hes in the bathroom … worry if he “breaks it”

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Normal boy (and girl) behavior. Talk with him about puberty. And more importantly, listen. Ask if he has questions. Get that parent/child communication line open and make him feel comfortable.

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Start teaching him how to do his own laundry. It’s normal behavior. Just make sure he knows to only do it in his room when he’s alone. That it’s “him” time.

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Say nothing he’s eight. I walked in on my fourteen year old having a wank. Shut the door and didn’t bring it up with him. Cause there’s nothing wrong with it.

Ignore it. Raised 2 boys. Totally normal. Just wait till you are throwing away stiff socks from under thier beds. Lawd

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My son is 7 he does the same i tell him that that is personal he can only do those things when he is alone in his bedroom or the bathroom this is not for other people to see.

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Monitor his tv he is watching

Leave him alone… why talk about it? As long as it’s in private.

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Simply say nothing vzw q

Ignore it. It’s normal.

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Help a mama out and respond anonymously on our forum. How can I talk to my son about something I caught him doing? - Mamas Uncut

If you haven’t given the talk, I’d start there. If you have given him the talk, I don’t think there is much to talk about here. Maybe just ask if he needs anything like hand sanitizer, lotion. Or tell him that if he makes any sort of mess he needs to clean it up.

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Also maybe establish a system with him where if he needs any kind of privacy from literally just wanting to be alone to actually doing something that requires privacy he has to put something on the doorknob so you know.not to disturb him. Privacy is insanely important for kids once they get a bit older like that.

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Say nothing.
He is horribly embarrassed.
Let the go by. Then never bring up that incident and stress to him to always wear condoms.
You can teach h about how to treat a woman as time goes by

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Simple answer. He isn’t doing anything wrong. Its natural , its normal , children discover their sexuality at different ages, I am a mom of 6 kids 4 boys 2 girls ages 12 to 22! Making sure he is not feeling ashamed is the most important task. Let him know you are there if he has any questions about anything and 8 may be too soon in my opinion for the entire talk, and may be easier for him if you have a brother, cousin or trusted friend that is male but not everyone will agree with me on that and that’s ok. Ultimately its your decision but all will be fine momma!!!

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My five year old seen two dogs doing the deed. He copied them it lasted a few days then it was done. I told him he just had to do it in his bedroom by himself So hopefully its just a phase for now

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it’s normal. don’t make him feel ashamed by having those feelings or thoughts. just tell him to let you know when he needs privacy or give a silent symbol

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Why say anything? I’d probably ask what he was doing and why, at the time… ask him if he has any questions, but that’s it…good lord he is only eight.

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I have told my son that he needs to do things like that by himself. No one should be in room with him. I asked it it make him feel good he said yes. Then its ok. That touching yourself is ok. Just its a very private thing. That he doesn’t have to talk about it either with others. Me as momma yes, to make sure he is doing things healthy and not harming.

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My son is seven and we tell him it’s a natural thing but to do it in his own privacy not in the common areas where people tend to gather

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Hey Boy Mom here 19&9
No need to make him feel guilty ask him why was he doing that?, where did he see? From those answer you should be able to handle the conversation
If not tell him we don’t hump our pillows!!! Let’s not do that again

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My son’s autistic he is 9 years old. He recently is experiencing boners… It makes me feel very uncomfortable but he wanted to know why it did that Then he wanted to know why did that when he wakes up or when he gets excited or when he sees a good-looking woman… So I had to have to talk with my child, One because I want to educate him, two because yeah he’s autistic and I didn’t know if someone could explain it like I could, number three he needs to know what’s appropriate and what’s not appropriate.

When your child is not with you you never know what your child is exposed to or what they hear. So as a mother educate them, talk to them, and listen. Yes, something’s u can avoid or let go or look past…but A little boy will experience puberty eventually… :woozy_face:… I really don’t want to have the conversation of what happens after the boner :rofl::rofl::rofl::sob::sob::sob::sob:

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I’m in the same boat. My son’s father passed away so I’m on my own too. I have no clue anything about being a boy so I did some research and ordered a few really good books that have to do with boys. There are books by the age groups so you’re able to discuss what they’re going through at that age. It’s been really helpful and helped me to understand too. We go through the books together. It’s been eye opening because a lot of it isn’t even sexual yet they just have urges and don’t know why. My son felt really bad and the books, I felt helped us both and helped him not to feel ashamed because it’s natural whether they understand why yet or not.

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Single mom of one boy (his Dad is very involved in his life though)…with my son, I gently ask questions and provide answers with no shaming. I let him know it is normal and he can talk to me about anything…without me judging. So far, we are doing good!

I would not make it a scene. I would make sure he knows its a private thing. Keep it simple and to the point and not a heavy convo. You guys will get to the heavy stuff later. But all kids do this. I haven talked to my friends and they did it too as kids. Nothing to worry about. Its just they way their bodys feel. And they don’t have to see anything to start something like humping a pillow. Just saying. It’s normal. Just provide him the knowledge that will keep it private and safe.

Yeah I probably wouldn’t say anything just to not embarrass him. A friend of mine took her daughter to the dr because she was doing the same thing and thought maybe someone had messed with her and the doctor told her if she has not seen anything to show her how to do that, it’s something hormonal. :woman_shrugging:t3:

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I would explain how his body works and then start knocking before entering. :slight_smile:

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My 7 yr old scratches her privates I tell her not to unless she’s in bed but she said it was ichy I thought about it and just showed her how to wipe it and it stopped :woman_shrugging:t3:
.
:eyes: I know it’s definitely not the same but maybe what u think he’s doing could be something else.

I would tell him it is normal what he is doing, but ask him if he has questions about his body or what’s happening. Tell him he’s not in any trouble, but you just want to answer any questions he might have. Then maybe have the talk with him about his body changing and how in a few years he will notice changes in his body. Also tell him its nothing to be embarrassed about. Everyone does it, but you just don’t talk about it. It is a private thing so you need to maybe start knocking on the door. I have a 15 year old son and I asked him not to do it when I’m home. He probably feels embarrassed and like he’s in trouble. Just try to explain to him why it is happening to his body and answers his questions. Just be honest with him.

My youngest had the same probably. Would lay down and hump his hands. Even did it at school a few times. Doctor said it was normal. He was to young to have “the talk” so I explained to him that it was normal & okay but something he needed to do in private. Thankfully it was just a phase so he grew out of it for now lol.

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As a man myself, I went through this but I didn’t have any support to help me through it, I had to handle it myself. Literally just be there for him and find an understanding, only one talk will help, unless more is needed. All you single moms of boys, you got this!

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Dont do anything just be careful waking in on him knock even if the door is open to let him know that you are there

I would just say…close the door when u need privacy
I wouldnt go any further…to shame or embarass him.
My opinion

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“I’m sorry I interrupted your private moment” …if it was in a place where they expected privacy and you violated it. If it wasn’t then just ask for them to seek a place that is because this is. And don’t act like an idiot about it.

Don’t say anything. It’s perfectly normal. You’re gonna embarrass him and or make him think it’s wrong. I did the same thing when I was 6-8

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I personally wouldn’t say anything. Why do you feel you have to say something?

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Just teach him about privacy and don’t be weird about it when you have the convo. Just be chill like it’s no big deal.

Teach him consent as as the talk

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My boys did it young. The Doctor told me not to make a big deal. It did not last long. A lot of hospitals has a program for boys and 2 for girls. They recommend it at around. 12. It’s by Doctor’s on pubity. I took my daughtervand several of her friends and their Mom’s went too. It answered a lot if questions about growing up where the kids could understand. I really suggest checking to see if there is a hospital in your area offering this.

Just tell him it’s ok and that he needs to keep that activity to his bedroom and the bathroom if the urge arises. I’m a father of seven boys, 23 years old to 2 years old. Not judging, but it might be time to start knocking and if he doesn’t know you caught him or doesn’t want to talk about it, there’s really no need to address it.

Tell him that that type of stuff and touching himself is to be done In his room, by himself.

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You’re not supposed to say anything. I’ve always heard if you walk in on something like that, you’re supposed to just turn around and walk away.

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