Are you a parent? Are you wondering how to talk to your kids about sex?
If so, then this article is for you. I will discuss the importance of teaching your children about sex and how it will benefit them in their future relationships. It's important that parents are open with their kids about sex to help them understand what they need to know when they get older. They can also help guide them through puberty and ensure that they don't do anything too early or too late in life.
Sex education isn't just something we should only be talking about at school; it's something we should talk about at home as well! Parents have an obligation to teach their children the ins and outs of sexuality, even if it makes them uncomfortable. After all, who knows better than someone who has been through puberty themselves?
Not only will this knowledge keep your child safe from making mistakes, but it will also give him/her more confidence later on in life when they start dating people of the opposite gender (or same gender). You'll feel good knowing that your child is informed and prepared for their future relationships instead of being ignorant or misinformed by friends or peers online. Don't worry - I am here to answer any questions you might have regarding sexual education! Just ask away below...I won't judge! ;)
Why We Must Provide Sex Education to Kids?
The decision to have sex, or not, is one of the most important decisions in life; this is not something that parents should be taking lightly. Everyone must know the facts about this topic because ignorance isn't bliss in these situations. The more informed people are, the better off they will be in life.
If we don't teach kids of younger generations about the dangers and consequences of unprotected sex, the future will only worsen.
Why Should It Be Parents to teach Sex?
There is an ongoing debate on whether parents or teachers should teach sex education? There are many reasons why parents are better suited to teach their children about sex. For instance, parents have the power to motivate, discipline, and punish their children. They also know the behavior they expect from their child better than anyone else does.
Moreover, parents can help children learn how to make decisions about sex without being afraid of the consequences. Parents also play a fundamental role in teaching values and morals concerning social issues, especially sexuality. If children cannot benefit from this support, there is little chance they will acquire it outside of the family setting.
Parents can provide more comfort for sexual questions because they talk more to the kid than the teacher.
We all know that teaching our children about sex can be uncomfortable at times, but we must remember that they will learn from someone or somewhere. Why not make sure they get the correct information from us?
Our society has become so sexualized and open with its sexuality; it's time we take back control of what our kids see and hear! The more knowledge they have before puberty hits them, the better off they'll be when dealing with these issues later on in life. Let's face it - there are too many risks involved if we let our children figure out everything by themselves without guidance from an adult who cares enough to help them through this difficult time.
How to Talk Comfortably About Sex?
Parents, do you feel uncomfortable talking about sex?
You're not alone. Many parents feel uncomfortable talking with their children about sexual health and sexuality. But the truth is that parents need to have these conversations early and often. It's never too early or too late to start having open discussions with your child about sex! And when you do, remember that there are no "right" answers – just be honest and answer any questions they may have.
It's pretty obvious that talking about sex and teaching your kids can be a challenging task, but remember to stay calm and collected because there is no reason why parents should be embarrassed about providing their children with information.
Talking calmly and rationally will assure the child that they are mature enough for this talk.
The key is to keep an open line of communication between you and your child, so it's not just a one-time conversation.
It would help if you minimized the gap between parents and kids. You both should feel comfortable talking about this. Don't consider this taboo. This is not the 18th century anymore. The more comfortable your kids feel asking questions, the better equipped they will be in making healthy decisions as they grow up
If you feel unprepared, here are some things you can do to get prepared before your child asks for advice.
Don't shy away from talking about sex with your kids because it's embarrassing. Instead, talk openly and honestly, so they know you're approachable when they need help with a question.
Be honest if you don't know an answer to their questions; tell them it's ok to look elsewhere for information.
Talk about how keeping yourself safe (from sexually transmitted infections) is also keeping your partner safe.
Answer all questions honestly, even if you feel shy.
Prepare yourself before the conversation. Study a bit.
Every kid is different; structuralize your conversation tailored to your kid.
Don't put pressure on them if they don't want to reveal about their partners.
Talk in a way that shows you also were in a similar situation; this is ordinary.
Abstinence is not always an option but signify upon its pros.
Keep track of the conversation and make sure you are not talking about this just once.
If necessary, talk in the car or where you can't see each other's faces. It might help.
What Do We Teach Them?
The main thing we want our children to understand is the difference between right and wrong regarding sex education. Nowadays, sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDs and STIs) are rising at an alarming rate. We must help them understand what they need for protection if they decide to engage in sexual activity.
We also need to enlighten them about the consequences if they are not careful. But remember, you should not make them feel frightened. Sex can be a beautiful experience. We just need to direct them to the right path.
It is also important to teach kids about consent. It is really important. Your sex education always should be tailored to your kid. All humans are different and minors are too. Your conversation shall be prepared beforehand with a bit of a study and preparation. You should signify these factors while teaching them.
- age
- gender
- their comfort zone and choices
You can provide resources on puberty, anatomy & physiology of male/female reproductive systems, pregnancy prevention methods (including abstinence), sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), prevention methods (including abstinence), birth control options including emergency contraception (EC), HIV/AIDS transmission prevention methods.
It would be best if you broke the social taboos and misconceptions. The myths about sex would not do any good. I will try to come up with a detailed blog about teaching/talking points.
The fact remains that teenagers get curious about sexual appetite and desire at a very early age, and they tend to experiment with some of the other methods. Which might not be familiar to parents. Thus, parents today face a dilemma while communicating such sensitive topics. They need to consider these factors with an open heart and not impose their beliefs on kids. There is a lot of information available on the internet, but parents need to be tech-savvy enough to explain these things to their children.
Some Major Factors You Should Consider
You know best how to communicate with your kids. Yet here are some simple reminders you should consider:
- Clarify your own values about sex.
- Do not impose your beliefs on them.
- Start educating them from the beginning of their childhood. Please don't wait till they become teenagers.
- Make yourself available. They should feel you are there for them.
- Don't use pet names for private parts.
- Find the right place and time for your conversations.
- Share what is needed to share. Please don't overdo it
- Let them know their rights.
- Tell them about their responsibilities and the consequences.
- Each kid is unique. Your education should be tailored to their characteristics.
Wrap Up
You know your child the best. You love your child the most. No one else thinks more than you about their wellbeing. At the end of the day, it is you who will be beside your kid during their rainy day. I know you know all these and thought of all these before. This post was just a reminder about one of the most critical things in parenthood. Remember, it's never too late.
If you have anything to add to this, feel free to let me know in the comments. I will post another/series of posts on this if you people want.