Helping boys through puberty as a single mum

[sunshine244]

I'm a single mum with two boys and although they have good male role models they aren't likely to talk to them about puberty. We've had plenty of chats, looked at books together etc and they are quite open currently. But I'm sure it's going to get harder with the teen years rapidly approaching.

So not really an aibu but looking for top tips on helping teen boys through all the hormones, body changes, emotions etc.

One is autistic so any insight there would be particularly useful - hair growing everywhere is a sensory nightmare so far.

Just talk to them matter of factly about all of it in a natural way as and when it comes up. I used to deliver sexual health workshops to teens and they are more likely to listen and engage if you're straightforward and use a bit of humour. Talk to them like they're young adults, not young children. Use stories in the news or on tv shows as a starting point and ask their opinions. I always found my boys more open to conversation during shared activities or side by side in the car, less eye contact and not as confrontational as a face to face discussion!

Definitely not face to Janet - while yo are walking or driving. I had to conduct sex education lessons with a form of 14 year old boys and found the only way to approach it was to be straightforward and down to earth.

This book has info for teens and parents. The sensory differences are an added challenge and hygiene!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Puberty-Relationships-Autistic-Girls-Twenty-Somethings/dp/1917959001