Back before I was born, my great-grandfather bequeathed a special gift upon my parents: Two books in
The Manual of Hygiene series:
Father and Son, and
Mother and Daughter, edited by M.A. Horn. Single parents of the opposite gender to their children are S.O.L.
These books, published in 1948 by Canadian Hygienic Productions Limited offer material which is "prepared from Information Compiled by Eminent Medical and Hygiene Authorities of Three Continents." Not much has changed in the last 60 years, as you will soon see (except maybe standards in capitalization).
And now, a few paragraphs excerpted from chapter 1 of The Manual of Hygiene: Father and Son. I hope you all learn something today.
Your Boy And His Sex Problems
No matter how carefully you may think you are guarding your son against knowledge of sex, he will become sex conscious at a very early age. Even the constant vigilance of parents will not keep older children from discussing sex matters with him. You can, however, do a great deal to see that he obtains the proper knowledge about it, not the ordinary, back-fence variety, filled with misinformation and bound to result in misconception of this very important life force.
(Really, though, I want to hear more about the back-fence variety - how high is the fence? Are both parties on the fence at the same time? If the fence is especially narrow how do you keep your balance?)
The wisest procedure, when a child is found playing with his genitals is to ignore it at first, thus eliminating from the mind the idea that there is anything "different" about these organs. If the practice becomes too persistent, however, his attentions may be diverted with toys. When he becomes old enough to understand he should be warned not to do it and given the reason that if he persists in doing it, the organs may become sore and irritated.
(Were there splinters on the fence? Oh wait, we've left fence territory with this one... what would a be a suitable toy to offer? A Wii?)
Don't mince words when you tell him about the dangers of prostitutes. Make him see that there is not only danger to his morals but danger to his physical well being as well in indulging in the sexual act not only with professional prostitutes but with girls in his own social set. The professional prostitute usually knows how to take care of herself, for she must remain free of disease if she expects to stay in business, but the young girl, ignorant, and usually in her teens, who gives her body to any boy who asks for it presents a real danger. She knows nothing about prophylaxis and keeping her body free of disease and it is she who is often the greatest offender in the spreading of venereal disease.(Okay, prostitutes are dangerous, but teenage girls are
even worse. Duly noted.)
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