You know you’re not going to get much useful or accurate advice on sex from the Christian Right.
Even when conservative Christians say masturbation is not a sin, they add rules to when and how it must be done.
Dale McGowan, author of Parenting Beyond Belief, offers much more realistic, honest advice about teaching your children about masturbation in the latest Humanist Network News:
In the absence of communication on the issue, children are guaranteed to feel tremendous shame and guilt when the natural developments of early adolescence lead them to self-stimulation. When your child is on the cusp of puberty, casually let him or her know:
- What masturbation is;
- That it’s a normal thing nearly everyone does at some point;
- That it’s a natural indication that the body is becoming ready for sexual activity and reproduction;
- That all of the stories about grave consequences are complete nonsense;
- That though it is not shameful, it should be done only in private.
He adds: “… nonreligious parents, free of repressive doctrines, are in an ideal position to give their children that permission, as well as the mental, emotional, and sexual health that comes with it.”
Wow.
Refreshing honesty. You don’t see that very often.
[tags]atheist, atheism, safe sex[/tags]
