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    Teen FAQ

    For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.

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    Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Masturbation > Daughter asking about masturbation
    Posted on: 03/31/2006

    Question

    My daughter is eleven years old and has asked the question about masturbation. What is it? Could you give me some pointers about where to start.

    Answer

    I always suggest asking children what they really want to know, or why, which will sometimes give you a clue about what they are really looking for. If she just heard the word and did not understand -- like hearing it in a song in the movie "Rent," a definition will do -- men and women touching their genitals in a way that makes them feel good.

    She may also have discovered that touching her own body, particularly her clitoris makes her feel good, in which case, you can tell her that yes, it does feel good, and it is something she can do in private, with no physical consequences.

    That is a good start -- good luck and thanks for being a mom that kids can ask questions -- I am sure it will not be your last. There are lots of good books out there about kids and sex, my current favorite is "From Diapers to Dating" by D. Haffner.


    Answered By:
    Nancy Brown , Ed.S, M.A., Ph.D.


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