Talking to kids about sex

                     

TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT SEX...

The topic of sex is still an uncomfortable subject for most
adults, especially for parents who wish to enlighten their kids
with proper information and not have them learn it from
friends or other unreliable sources. Why is sex a taboo topic?
Why do parents feel discomfort, embarrassment and
uneasiness about talking to their children about this natural,
loving, bonding and healthy human experience?
In 1892 The National Education Association promoted sex
education as a necessary part of a national education
curriculum. In 1899 The Parent Teacher Association
advocated for teaching sex as part of the national education
curriculum. In 1922 The U.S. Public Health Service published
the Manual on Sex Education in High Schools. In 1944 The
U.S. Public Health Service labeled school sex education an
“urgent need.” In 1955 The American Medical Association and
the National Education Association published five sex
education pamphlets for schools.
Yet, even today, many parents are ill at ease about bringing up
the subject of sexuality, soliciting questions from their
teenagers or delivering a message about their openness to
discuss the subject. Some parents may fear that bringing up
the topic may be tantamount to encouraging or expecting the
youngsters to engage in sex. Others may feel that this is a
private matter between adults and thus not appropriate to be
discussed with their youngsters.
Whatever the reasons, parents should be aware that ignorance
is NOT bliss and that their teenagers continue to need parental
guidance about all aspects of adult life from developing
healthy habits, learning to drive, being well-mannered,
respecting the elderly, and being the best human beings they
can be. Those tasks should not be relegated to teachers,
peers, coaches but to parents who are the most suitable
teachers for enlightening and guiding their youngsters during
their maturation.
Many adults may not have been taught about sexuality by their
parents or in school and thus may feel uneasy about the
methods or the proper language to use with their youngsters.
Embarrassment, shame or lack of expertise as well as lack of
modeling in discussing the topic leads many adults to avoid
this part of preparing their teens for adulthood. This is an error
that becomes their children’s loss. Most youngsters who have
been taught many skills by their teachers or coaches still yearn
to have the validation of their parents to feel fully aware and
enlightened.
Perhaps it is just a matter of time before the topic of sex will
no longer be shrouded with secrecy and embarrassment so
that future generations will comfortably help their youngsters
mature sexually as they do emotionally, intellectually and
morally.

To talk openly with your teenager.
1. Understand that sexual guidance is one aspect of healthy
parenting that may spare your youngster grave negative
consequences.
2. Realize that your adolescent child is likely to be bewildered
and in need of your guidance about his/her sexuality as he/
she has benefited from your other teachings about adult life.
3. Be supportive and avoid preaching.