Sex education is an important kind of education that plays a vital role in creating awareness and, at the same time, safeguarding humans, especially children, from being victims of sexual assault, abuse, and the like. This is an education that helps them understand what should be done when they find themselves in an awkward situation that could lead to potential danger. Although children are the ones who need this information the most, as adults are assumed to have the knowledge and power to protect themselves, everyone needs it. But then when we talk about sex education for children, at what age is it ideal to start teaching them sexual education and sensitizing them as a precaution mechanism?
Different people might have different opinions on when they would teach their children these sensitive topics, but for me personally, whether then or later, I'll teach my kids. This isn't necessarily specific, but what I can say will determine when I'll teach my kids about sex education: immediately, they can understand me and what I'm saying and could read meaning into it. I know this might seem early to some people because such could be as early as when they're between one and two years old, but I'll be telling them at that age because prior to that age, they'll mostly be around my watchful eyes, and I can monitor them and anyone around them; however, by the time they're two, they will have begun schooling, meaning they'll be away from me, and anything could happen, so for their safety, I'll teach them very early, although not in detail.
Basically what I'll tell them around that age are the basics of sex education, simple stuff like not allowing anybody to touch their private parts and the like. Also, not allow anyone to trick them with a few items such as money, snacks, and the like. I've been a victim of sexual abuse during my childhood, and I don't want my children to suffer the same fate, and so I start very early but bit by bit based on what they can comprehend at that point in time, like not allowing anybody to scare them and stopping them from saying anything they see or experience.
Talking about how I'll approach it for them to better understand, much teaching will make the most impact. Well, firstly, I'll help them understand that I love them and care about them and their well-being. I'll go on to tell them that we have some bad people amongst humans that may want to hurt them, and so for that reason, I need to tell them some things and tricks on how to protect themselves. That's for when they're young, around the age of two. As they grow and become more aware, the style will most definitely change to suit their age and level of understanding till we get to a point where they'll begin to learn about abstinence from sex and dangerous infections and diseases endangering their health and well-being.
I'll be taking this seriously to create awareness and sensitize them, not in a way that it seems forced and the like, because they need to understand it for what it is and not because I say so and not because I want to control their lives, but to know it comes from the place of love and genuine care for their safety and responsibility in living.
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