Father/Son Outline

12-15 year old boys

St. Vincent's Medical Center, Bryan Auditorium

1851 King St., Jacksonville, FL  32204

Boys are curious about all the changes that occur to their bodies as well as to the girls’ bodies. We want them to understand their changing bodies as part of God’s plan for them to grow up into men and to prepare for fatherhood. Learning to understand why their bodies do what they do and how to deal with all the new feelings and emotions is very important for them.

Learning self control, self discipline and self mastery is a vital element to becoming a well balanced adult. They boys need to know that being a good man is more important than experiencing every urge that their bodies present to them. We want them to know that their sexual desires are part of God’s plan, and that these desires are good and holy, but they can and must be controlled.

Boys will hear what’s happening to the girls they know and gain respect for the power of fertility that both of them have. People are created by God to love and be loved, but love is never selfish, demanding or controlling. No one should ever use another person for anything, they should respect themselves, others and accept responsibility for their thoughts and actions.

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Welcome

The emcee will introduce some of the topics that will be discussed especially the gifts of sexuality and fertility and growing up to become a man. Stage will be set for talking about God’s love and wisdom and His plan for each young person to grow up. Emphasis is on the goodness of being a boy and the fact that changes are supposed to happen will put the boys at ease and get them ready for the presentations to follow.

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Opening Prayer

A sincere spontaneous prayer from the heart.

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It’s Great To Be a Boy – 8 to 10 minutes

Respect, Virtues and Responsibility

Emphasis is on the goodness of the boys’ manhood and masculinity. They should be happy to be a man and appreciate the special gifts God has given to them especially the possibility of one day being able to become a father. Their bodies are going to change to help prepare them for the future, and the more they understand what is happening, the more prepared they will be. God has designed men and women to be different so they can compliment each other in their sexuality.

Self respect and respect for others, especially girls, will be covered as well as the importance of establishing a personal value system and building a strong character.  Responsibility to themselves as well as their families, schools and peer groups will be covered. Growing up to become husbands and fathers someday will be discussed and the importance of preparing themselves to be the kind of adult they want to be.

Good manners, courtesy, politeness, thoughtfulness and tenderness will be discussed and encouraged.

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All in God’ Plan – 10 to 12 minutes

Physical and Emotional Changes

As boys grow up their bodies may become quite awkward and clumsy, and they will become much more aware of themselves and their bodies. They will notice an increased appetite along with sporadic growth spurts. Other changes include, body odor, body hair, muscles and reproductive organs will grow larger, voices will deepen and beards will start to grow.

These changes are good and normal, and they happen because the boys’ bodies are preparing them for manhood. In God’s plan their bodies prepare them for the future in plenty of time, but they still have a lot of maturing to do before they are ready to accept the responsibilities of being a husband and father.

Boys need lots of love, assurance and acceptance from their parents and peers. They may become distant from their families as they strive to discover themselves. They need time to understand their changing bodies, feelings and moods.

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Our Bodies are Changing and Preparing for Fatherhood –

20 to 25 minutes

Normal Growth and Development

This visual presentation includes the male reproductive system, development of the testicles, functions of the testicles, structure of the testicles and sperm cells.

The tremendous power of human fertility deserves reverence and protection because of its sacredness uniting us with God in His creation of a new person. Boys will learn that human fertility should never be taken for granted and since it is a gift they should never do anything to damage or harm it.

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Girl’s Bodies Change Too and Prepare for Motherhood –

20 to 25 minutes

Explanation of the Fertility Cycle, Ovulation and Menstruation

This visual presentation includes, a women’s cycle, brain interaction with reproductive organs (boys and girls), cycle variations, reproductive anatomy and physiology, conception, uterus and birth canal, hormones, the ovary, changes in the endometrium, menstruation, pregnant uterus and the unborn baby.

Young men need to have some idea about girls and the changes their bodies are going through at this time. Hopefully this will lead to more respect and understanding for the young ladies in their lives. They will be given the knowledge they need to begin to understand what a beautiful mystery a woman is. The dads will learn a lot of things about their wives and the gift of fertility that they never knew before also.

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Break for Refreshments – 30 minutes

Pizza and soft drinks

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Being a Father – 3 to 6 minutes

Personal Witness

The joys and sorrows of fatherhood are told in a completely honest and direct manner. Fathers are encouraged to love their sons no matter what, to really listen to them, to be there for them and make them know how important they are to their families.

The boys will be told that being a father is a great blessing from God and if marriage is their vocation, hopefully God will bless them with children. Their children will probably treat them the same way they treat their dads, so it is important they remember to be kind and gentle to their fathers. Lots of love, respect and communication go a long way in helping to keep the family happy.

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Questions and Answers for the Panel – 30 to 45 minutes

Opportunity to answer questions from the Question Box

A panel of men and one woman will answer questions placed in the box during the refreshment break. If any inappropriate questions are asked they are not covered during the presentation.

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It’s Up to You – 6 to 10 minutes

Incorporating new information into your life

Boys will be encouraged to put everything in God’s hands, to trust Him to love them and help them to be men of integrity. Everything that is happening to their bodies as they grow into manhood is good, holy and part of God’s plan for them. God expects them to take good care of their bodies, to accept their responsibilities and to be accountable for their actions.

Boys will be encouraged to make good decisions, learn to be unselfish and to really love by practicing self control and chastity. They will be given hints on dating and how important it is to be a good friend and to have lots of friends of both sexes who share their values, believe in the same moral standards and who will help them uphold their standards.

The dangers of alcohol and drugs and how they can weaken their resolve to be chaste will be discussed. They need to love themselves enough to stay away from people, places and things that may cause them to be tempted. As they get older there will be many more temptations, but if they learn at an early age how to make good decisions, those choices won’t be so difficult later on.

This section ends on a positive note of hope and encouragement. They are told their sexuality and fertility are beautiful, wondrous and awesome gifts from God to be loved and cherished. It is up to them how they will live their live their lives.

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Evaluations and Closing

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