Remember, sexiest organ is the brain

Dear Annie: As a youngster, I went through puberty much later than other boys in my class. To make matters worse, let’s just say I was not very well endowed and was teased relentlessly in the locker room. It destroyed my self-esteem. I quit playing all sports and withdrew socially, becoming quite overweight in the process.

I have since gone to counseling and done my best to put this dreadful time behind me. Now, however, my 11-year-old son is approaching those difficult years. Unfortunately, he has inherited my small penis size. I pray that he can pass through the years without incident, but I doubt it.

How can I make him understand that there is nothing wrong with him? If he does endure the same horrific treatment, what can I do to help? Finally, please tell the parents in your reading audience to instruct their children to never, ever tease or gang up on someone who is different. A parent’s attitude can help. Once when a boy was teasing me, his dad overheard and seriously scolded him. He never did it again and remains my only friend from adolescence. — Small Issue, Big Problem

Dear Big Problem: Your son is still quite young, and it’s too soon to know if his development will be the same as yours. Please don’t transmit your insecurities to him. If your son becomes concerned, you can have him speak to his doctor for reassurance that he is normal.

Adolescents are often cruel, but he can deflect some of that with humor and a nonchalant attitude. Bolster his ego, Dad, and help him be a confident young man. As they say, size doesn’t matter. The most important sexual organ is the brain. The majority of women would rather have a caring and attentive man of modest proportions than the reverse.

Dear Annie: I read the letter from “Torn Mother in Selma, Ala.,” whose daughter, “Kira,” was a slow learner. You gave some good suggestions, and I’d like to add one, plus some encouragement.

In the mid-1950s, I was a Marine instructor. One of the things I encouraged students to do was outline (double space) the nightly reading assignment and write down questions to clarify areas they did not understand. The outline served as a basic set of notes, and the double-spacing allowed them to insert additional comments. The pre-written questions helped make sure they didn’t forget to ask them.

This method helped one student in particular. He tried hard, but I was concerned about him flunking out. Several weeks later, he came to my office and showed me his diploma. He said it was my outlining method that was the biggest help to him. — R.F.S., Master Sgt., USMC Retired

Dear R.F.S.: Thank you for the great suggestion. Here are two more:

Dear Annie: We are a three-generation family of slow processors. “Kira” may have an above-average IQ, but she has difficulty learning the material in the classroom setting that’s available. If Kira is eligible for the same help as kids with learning disabilities, she may be entitled to use books on tape and be given additional time for tests. — Parent in the Midwest

Dear Annie: My granddaughter was recently diagnosed with “Irlen Syndrome,” also known as Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS). Now that she has the glasses with her prescribed filters, the difference in her schoolwork is like night and day.

Until recently, I had not heard of this condition. Please do the world a tremendous favor and put this information in your column. The Web site is www.irlen.com. — Forever Grateful Grandmother in California