way too many people..not enough space.

[dec_1892]

So I'm 16 and live with my parents. 2 bros, and 2 sisters in a tiny 2 bed house, without even doors on the bedrooms. I have to share a room with my little brother who is 12, and at an awkward stage I guess. I have to wait to do anything usually (masterbate, don't do much of anything else) until everyone is asleep. I just wanted to see thoughts or suggestions...

[pontiacdriver]

So I'm 16 and live with my parents. 2 bros, and 2 sisters in a tiny 2 bed house, without even doors on the bedrooms. I have to share a room with my little brother who is 12, and at an awkward stage I guess. I have to wait to do anything usually (masterbate, don't do much of anything else) until everyone is asleep. I just wanted to see thoughts or suggestions...

This is a hard situation, and I don't think there are any easy answers. My suggestion is that when you masturbate, then you are best off doing it in the washroom so that you don't cause any untoward situations. However, if your brother masturbates, then I suppose you both can come to an understanding that you both stay on your respective sides of the room and do your business with the other respecting his privacy. Of course, you both can work out a system that at such and such time one of you has private time in the bedroom without explicitly mentioning masturbating.

As for your 12 year old brother, my thinking is that you have to be proactive with him. If he is starting to ask questions about sexuality, then you are far better to be honest with him and letting him know that sexuality is normal. The reality is that it is better that he learns about sexuality from someone responsible than from total strangers. Also, with his being 12 he is going to start masturbating pretty soon anyway (if he already does so), and it is better that he feels comfortable talking to you about it so that sexuality doesn't become a big mystery and his trying to spy on you when you are doing your thing. If you are honest about sexuality, then hopefully your brother won't be so awkward. Of course, everything depends upon his maturity, and you might need to talk to him according to his maturity level.

One thing you should never do is actually masturbate with him or physically show him how to masturbate. It is all right to use a prop like a banana to explain how it works or discuss what masturbating is, but you really should keep things private. Especially with your sharing a bedroom if you both can someone develop a system, then so many of your problems will be solved.

More than anything I am sure your brother wants to be treated like a big boy now even though he might still be a hybrid between a child and a teen. I think if you treat him with courtesy and explain to him that if he acts maturely he will be treated as an equal, then hopefully your relationship with him will improve.

[marktheman]

I share a room with my 11yo (almost 12) brother and I have some of the same problems. He's starting to ask questions and has even caught me masturbating once. I know that I'm going to be a lot more involved with him fairly soon. I've answered all of his questions so far and will continue to do so, as he seems to be comfortable talking to me up to a point.
Meanwhile, I do my masturbating in the shower, or when he's not home, or in bed (quietly) after I know he's asleep.

[LUCKY555]

yeah if he wants to know anything answer them he will be more open with you then. and there is noting you can do about the space issue...you ccould go in a woodsy area or just do what you are doing now