I’m the dad of a 14-year-old boy. Growing up, my parents were very closed off and distant, so I never felt comfortable asking them personal questions, which honestly hurt me quite a bit. I promised myself that if I ever became a parent, I’d make sure my kid felt comfortable talking to me about anything. So recently, my son came to me and said he wanted to shave down there but was scared he might cut himself. He asked how to do it. I asked him if he wanted me to show him, and he said yes. So I showed him the process. He said, “Thanks, Dad,” and that was that. On one hand, I’m proud that I created the open environment I always wanted growing up. On the other hand, I can’t help but wonder if people around me would think it crossed a boundary.
It’s your job as a parent to teach your kiddos these sorts of things. It might feel uncomfortable, but it is part of the deal. It’s your job to teach him all of these personal hygiene issues. I taught both of my children (boy, girl) these things. For some general info I had to do a lot of research on boy things, as I don’t have those parts. But I did it and we’re fine. This doesn’t just apply to hygiene but all those life skills we aren’t just born with.