I have to agree with DouDou. It's good to hear these debates and topics come up every now and then, as with all things, approaches change, new research comes out (Brontide posted a good article in the new scientist) etc etc. AND there are new ppl on this forum, trying to reach out to others for info.

of course it's heated. if you do it, you're labelled a bad, uniformed parent, if you dont do it, you're labelled a bad, uninformed parent. but what comes out between the rhetoric and sweeping generalisations from all sides, are sometimes really good snippets of information and insight into the 'other side' of the debate. it makes us more whole.

In our situation, my uncles have had it done, my cousins have not. My DH got it done as an adult and have to respectfully disagree with AnnaT that the procedure is much worse for older men. DH had it done, was awake for the procedure, had to wait the couple of hours for the anaesthetic to wear off and do a pee. then went home with a packet of panadeine and strict instructions not to DTD or such like until all healed. once feeling came back to him he found the latter rather 'tricky' to follow LOL! . he did say that he felt like a liberated man when the he his penis was numb and he could just think straight . oh BTW, DH got it done as it was mandatory for his MANDATORY military service. but i think he quite likes the change

for us, because of DHs experiences, we are open to the possibility, but ultimately we will leave that decision to any son/s we may have. the kid's probably going to ask questions (especially if, like one poster mentioned, more kids are getting it done, then no doubt there is going to be a fair mix in the change-rooms at school)...DH still gets asked about it at soccer! and we will be there to answer them. if he chooses to get it done while still in our nest at home, cool. if he chooses not cool. house that for fence sitting LOL!