a delicate question

Nathaniel has recently learned to grab. This is an exciting development for him. Nothing within arm's reach is safe: hair, noses, the dog's ears, toys. We, his doting parents, are unreasonably proud of this neuro-physical milestone.

Perhaps what Nathaniel is most pleased about, though, is his newfound ability to grab his wee little bits prodigious man-parts. He is quite delighted with this happy discovery. I didn't know men learned the baseball shuffle-and-grab this early, but there you go. I knew that by having a boy I'd learn a lot more about men.

This leads me to the delicate question noted in the title of this entry. He is amused enough with his introduction to the willy world that I have realized that at some point we are going to have to teach him that one doesn't arm-wrestle one's stormtrooper in polite society, Major League Baseball notwithstanding. So for my male readers: do you remember learning this particular societal nicety?  How did your parents teach it?

Please note that I would like to have this accomplished with a minimum of later therapy required, anguish over repressed sexuality, etc. etc.

Personally I am tempted to put this squarely in my husband's corner as I lack the parts at issue, but what good is a blog and blog readers if I can't ask questions like this?

Comments

[kristine]

Well, I've seen my cousins (who are all quite accomplished breeders) tell their children, "No, we don't do that in a restaurant/at grandma's/at church," when their kids do things that are not quite public-friendly. (Usually it's something like picking a nose, but occasionally I've seen a grab or two!) Just don't make him feel like it's shameful—just something better left to the home!

[Denise]

I can't stop laughing to offer suggestions!!!! Oh, god, I'm so glad I had daughters. ROFLMAO!

[Reed Benner]

Laughed out loud! My son used to get this slack-jawed expression on his face whenever his hands "wandered." When he was a little older, I just told him that what he was doing was OK, but he should confine it to his room. That was the end of it. And yes, you do learn LOTS of stuff about men through raising a son. Mainly that they're big ol' softies and much more sensitive than they'd have you believe!

[Haas Bloggisms]

Advice on the twig and berry issue....hmmm don't remember having the problem, and I certainly don't remember my parents addressing the problem. My mind probably blocked this time in my life. Nathaniel is probably too young for Kristine's advice. Maybe you could try distracting him with his favorite toy/gadget with the event starts up???

[JR]

In my opinion, you should definitely let your husband deal with it. There is a range of issues that mothers should NEVER talk with their sons about. That zone should be the domain of fathers only. It really weirds guys out to talk about certain things with their mothers.

[transmogriflaw]

Thank you, everybody! Very helpful boy information.

[FTP]

What a Hoot! Am fully in agreement w/ Reed B. I told my kiddos that it was their body and what they want to do in privacy was ok......we don't need to do these things in public or with our friends...... However I'm struck by all the euphemisms for the male member. Guess there's no end to the colorful turns of phrase!