Don’t make a big deal about it but do apologise for not knocking on his door before you entered his room. You could end this conversation with your son by saying ‘It is a natural thing to do, but not in public and I feel bad that I didn’t knock as I embarrassed you. Make it about your child, not yourself, and let him know you are there if he wants to talk about it. Then get on with your life!!!

I agree with the woman that said this Mum should apologize for not knocking and make it clear to her son that in future she will knock. Let him know he did nothing wrong and it was her that was in the wrong for invading his privacy.

All I can think of is American pie, giggle :). Its perfectly normal, never the less awkward if you walk in on someone, but totally normal and it has happened before to many others.

It is completely normal even for girls! So if you walk in on a kid doing it, (at any age) straight up apologise and do not say don’t do that..leaves the kid thinking it’s the most sinful thing when it’s actually not.

This is why I knock on my son’s door. I couldn’t stand the thought of walking in on something private, whether or not he does it, I know plenty of kids start young or older, but better safe than sorry. Humiliating for both parent and son.

I think when your kids reach a certain age you have to respect their privacy and knock.

I’m with whoever said “knock next time”. It’s totally normal, especially at that age.

I agree in that not to make a big deal about it.

not looking forward to moments like this, but its all in a mothers day isn’t it lol

As a Mum of a teenage boy, this is normal behaviour. However, I do think it requires some discussion. Reassure him it’s normal and then set some boundaries for his privacy so he feels safe and comfortable and knows that he can discuss things with you.

I would apologise to him for walking in but at the same time ask him to completely shut his door. Also any laundry he has needs washing needs to be put in the machine himself.

Awkward but probably the time for the talk

It’s natural, and a good time to discuss the birds bees and boundaries. Good thing it was mum that walked in and not a younger sibling

I can understand – the door was ajar- explain to the son that it’s natural and her doesn’t need to feel ashamed but it’s also private and he should always close the door properly so that I know you knock first.

First apologise for not knocking before you entered his room then say it is a normal thing to do at his age and you are happy to talk about any problems he may be experiencing.

Ok, I get it’s a bit embarrassing but you are parent and child and there is going to be a lot more than this to get through. Given his age, it’s a good time to apologise for not knocking first BUT not beat yourself up (not meaning to make a pun) as I am assuming you hadn’t talked about this stuff first. I’d take this opportunity to have a chat with him, and let him know all this is normal and you’re always around if he needs to talk to (and be there if/when he does). Set a few rules – so if he shuts the door you know to knock first, and the same if he wants to come into your room. I’m a single mum too, and my kids know they can talk to me about this stuff – or not. We also respect each others’ privacy and that means I knock first – and so do they. It isn’t that I’m even doing anything LOL, it is just basic respect, plus I expect they don’t need to be hit with the site of me getting dressed in the morning or whatever. It’s really important for kids and teens to know their bodies and feelings are nothing to be ashamed of but are part of our biology. It’s okay. One day, you will probably laugh about this. x

I have a teenage son and have no idea if he does this or not, I have no reason to bring it up, in some cultures and religions it is frowned upon so we all carry some kind of little guilt hidden in the back of our minds. My advice is to actually ask if he was embarrassed with mum walking in (but not using the word embarrassed rather “are you okay with me accidentally walking in on you doing something private” or “how do you feel” and take the conversation from there, let them lead in the conversation.

I still remember walking in on my brother masturbating when I was about 14. Talk about bloody awkward!!
Now that I have two sons of my own I know that it’s very natural but will still be embarrassing when that time comes. I’m a very open person and will talk about sex etc with my kids openly and freely when they are ready (still quite young)
Just have an open conversation with him and tell him if he wants to chat further he’s welcome and leave it to him.

Definitely embarrassing for mum and the son. But apologising and knocking next time is a good start. Also good tips from the experts.

I wouldn’t know what to do! I have girls so hoping this won’t happen as it’s not as obvious.