Sex education is often overlooked or rather completely dismissed. However, it remains to be an integral part of parenting. This is an important part of raising children who are aware of sexual behaviour and are emotionally healthier. While many would want to educate their children, they still might be confused about the right way to do so.
In this blog, we will lay out a comprehensive sex guide for you to educate your children.
Sex Education Guide
Sex education is way more than the biological aspects of reproduction. It aims at educating children and helping them build better relationships and understand consent along with other aspects of human sexuality. When teenagers know about these aspects, they are more likely to make informed choices and handle difficult situations in life.
Many parents struggle to either initiate the conversation or decide how much they want to convey to their children. With this guide, you will know exactly how to do it the right way.
Age-appropriate communication
It is important to understand age-appropriate conversations and how they evolve over time.
Let us understand this with the help of examples.
Age 3 – 5:
During this age, children start finding the difference between being a boy and a girl. Rather than ignoring the question, the curiosity to know the difference between boys and girls should also be answered.
You should tell your children that there are two types of human bodies and take proper anatomical terms of body parts. Remember it is the foundation of creating an environment where children can come up and ask questions freely.
Age 6 – 7:
Here, the curiosity is growing, and they might ask you questions like where babies come from. You can simply answer it by saying they grow inside the mother, and that is a god’s gift. Listen to their questions and answer them calmly.
Age 8 – 10:
At this age, children start noticing sudden changes in their bodies and might question the same. You should explain the concept of puberty and how children mature and grow into adults. Try to address changes like menstruation, voice changes, changes in body hair, etc and reassure them all the changes are normal.
Age 11 – 15:
This age usually deals with major changes, and teens start developing an interest in dating, sexual intimacy, reproduction, and so on. It is crucial for parents to be their children’s best friends here and guide them through the journey.
Parents can talk to children about relationships, consent, how you choose the right partner, emotional well-being, reproduction, and safe sex practices. As hard as it may get for parents, telling your children about these things might save them from making bad decisions they may regret later.
It is important to understand their developmental stage to decide what should know they about.
Creating a safe space – Establishing a safe space is of extreme importance to make conversations possible. Children should not only be scared of kids and find them approachable to answer their doubts or questions.
They should not feel judged or embarrassed to talk to their parents. Parents should focus on creating an environment free of judgement and initiating difficult conversations. This will only strengthen the relationship in future.
Role models – Children learn a lot about relationships from their parents. Their beliefs and attitudes towards relationships are usually shaped by what they see in their homes. If parents are in a healthy relationship where they respect each other, children are more likely to form similar relationships. Also, when parents talk about topics like consent and boundaries, children know what they should find in a relationship.
Sensitive topics – Sex education sometimes might become awkward for parents when they have to address topics like sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, or pornography. While these conversations are hot topics, it might be a little uncomfortable for parents to talk about them.
However, parents should realize these conversations are important for their children’s well-being. They can try to initiate these conversations with empathy and try to share as much information as they can.
Body image – Discussing sexual health may help your children learn a newer perspective about body image. They will trust you and you can explain about different body types and how everyone is beautiful. It will build a positive body image and boost their confidence.
Peer pressure – Getting pressured by a group of friends is a common sight in adolescence. Parents can help them understand the right attitude and behaviour towards sexual intimacy. Knowing about what types of relationships they need in life can help them break free from the shackles of peer pressure.
Resources – There is a plethora of information available today via books, media, websites, and videos. This information can be used by parents to educate themselves and some of it can be used for children. Moreover, parents and school authorities can work together and come up with strategies and programs to educate children.
Parents may still face multiple challenges while trying to educate their children. They may face opposition from society or cultural norms. It is important to realize that their children will make better decisions and be safer.
Bottom Line
Sex education is an important part of growing in teenagers. Parents can play a vital role in imparting education. Knowing exactly what to tell and the ways to talk to your children may save them from mishaps in future.
Parents need to approach the subject with empathy and respect while treating them as equals. This can empower children to make better decisions in the future.
FAQs
Q – What role can parents play in sex education?
A – Parents play an important role in imparting sex education to children. When children are taught about sexuality-related issues by parents, they tend to understand it better. Also, they are equipped with the necessary tools to deal with various challenges coming their way in adolescence.
Q – How can parents teach their children about sex?
A – Parents can choose to have open and honest conversations with their children. They need to talk to their children about sexual development and sexual intimacy. Additionally, they need to highlight the importance of consent and respect in a relationship. Parents can deal with the topic here and there whenever they feel is the right time instead of making it happen in a single session.
Q – What is the right age to teach children about sex?
A – 5 to 8 years is the right time to initiate conversations about sexuality. You may start to slow by addressing sexuality along with consent, nudity, and societal normal. It is important to be honest and answer all the questions simply and straightforwardly.
Q – Why should parents talk about sex at all?
A – Children who are taught about sex by their parents are more likely to avoid falling for peer pressure. More children know the importance of healthy relationships and safe sex practices. Only when they have parents to go to and get answers to their queries are they more likely to share their thoughts? It may save them from various temptations that could be harmful to them.
Q – How can I talk to my 13-year-old son about sex?
A – You can start by admitting that the conversation is awkward. Ask them for their perspective and explain to them about sexual intimacy and safe sex practices. Explain how sex and love are not the same thing, and it is their choice to have or not have sex. Do not handle the situation by lecturing or threatening them. rather, try to address their queries and help them understand the reasons behind everything you say.