Discussing Sex Education Properly to Your Children; Keeping Them Safe

It's never too early to discuss sex with your child. Talking about sex, sexuality, and bodies as the child moves toward puberty can help them understand that sex and sexuality are typical and healthy parts of life.

An open and honest conversation when your child is young can make later talks easier. These early conversations lay the groundwork for children to make healthier and safer choices about sex and sexual relationships when they're older.

According to Healthy Children, young ones live in a highly sexualized society where they are exposed to sexual language, images, and behaviors before they are developmentally prepared to handle them. Kids didn't ask for hormones at age 12, but they are stuck learning how to handle their changing bodies and urges in a society that shows them yes but tells them not now.

Parents must understand the importance of romantic attachment in a teenager's life and the intensely strong feelings they generate, even if their definition and perspective of love differ from their child's.

A proper way of teaching sex education to children

It's important to explain things at a level your child can understand, thus, providing them a brief, positive, and factual information so they won't feel scared of asking further.

Help your child understand the names and functions of all body parts, as this would emphasize that their body belongs to them and will help them communicate clearly if they want to ask about their body. 

When talking to your children about sexuality, make sure you explain things in a developmentally appropriate way. Younger children tend to be more interested in pregnancy and babies rather than the act of sex.

Toddlers aged 13 to 24 months should be able to name all the body parts, including the genitals. Accurate names for body parts will allow children to communicate any health issues, injuries, or sexual abuse. It also helps them understand that these parts are as normal as any others, promoting self-confidence and a positive body image.

Preschoolers aged two to four should know that no one can touch their bodies without permission. Children should know that others can touch them in some ways but not in other ways. They should also establish boundaries, especially when physical touch is involved, per About Kid's Health.

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Follow the child's cues about what they need to know

When your school-age child inquires about sex, ask what they know, and from that, correct any misconceptions and offer enough details to answer the specific questions.

Toddlers and preschoolers are usually satisfied with vague answers to questions about where babies come from but school-age children tend to ask more specific questions about the connection between sexuality and making babies.

According to Mayo Clinic, talk to your child about the emotional and physical consequences of becoming sexually active, such as pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and a range of feelings. Tackling such issues can help a child avoid feeling pressured to become sexually active before he or she is ready. While telling a child about the possible outcomes of having sex, mention the joys, too. Let your child know that sex can be beautiful in a loving and committed relationship.

Related Article: Age-Approriate Ways of Explaining Sex to Kids