DS body image insecurities

[HaywireHead]

DS came to me last night upset that he thinks his body isn’t right and that he’s scared about his genitals. From what I gathered something was said to him by another boy in the swimming changing rooms and he’s took it to heart. What do I do in this situation? Is counselling a good idea?

It could be. An unkind comment can trigger insecurities and the sooner you work on them the better. How old is your ds?

He’s 12, he’s very good-natured but it can work against him sometimes. If anyone says anything to him he will take their word as truth and just accept it. I think he just lacks a lot of confidence in himself

He’s prepubescent he doesn’t need counselling simple reassurance will do. Where’s his dad?

I'd reassure him that there's nothing wrong with his body, he's 12 and it'll likely go through a lot of changes over the next few years.

In a different city, with a new family… he sees him a few times a month but they aren’t close

How do you know he doesn't? He might not, and I hope he doesn't, but he sounds quite insecure about his body and sometimes that can develop into serious conditions. I wouldn't dismiss it out of hand.

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/body-image/

Ok

DS had an Usborne Puberty book which had pictures of all sorts of different Penis' in. I think it might help him to see just what a variation there can be.

No I’m not a troll hence why I haven’t disclosed any detail.

I have my brother who I have spoken to be he just laughed it off and didn’t take my concerns seriously

"It's not the size of it, its how you use it."

@HaywireHead mine both had the Usborne puberty book that has cartoon drawings if memory serves of different types of genitals. My two at 12 would have said why on earth are you looking at that area on me and also why do you think you are the normal one? But then mine are bolshy and I taught them to say those sorts of things.

🤔 He's 12.