Children and Sex-- Do they need to know?

Sex education “is a  term used to describe education about human sexual anatomy, sexual intercourse and reproduction, and other aspects of human sexual behaviour” -->Science Daily

I noticed my little  sister of about 12 started developing breast and pubic hairs. When I discussed about it with my mom, she said she never knew about the hairs and that my sister never mentioned it. I approached my sister and realized that she was to talk to my parent about it. The conversation line established was very narrow and not open within them both. I knew i had to do something. 

This event actually inspired this blog post.

Talking about sex, their sexuality, bodies and relationships in an open and honest way goes a long way and plays a vital role in your young child’s sex education and sexual development.

Such informations that the child gains make he/she understand that sex and sexuality are all normal, healthy parts of life. It will also make future conversations easier without them feeling ashamed or embarrassed.

It’s also necessary to be prepared for answering your child’s questions about sex tactfully and by discernment.

Also, sex education just a conversation isn’t just a one time conversation that you have to get exactly right. Example when I my kid brother started learning to speak, he was taught to call his Penis 'Pim-pim' when ever he needed to pee but as he grew bit older he was corrected to call it in a more appropriate and less embarrassing name. (We all went through that stage right)

Point is... 

The conversation should continue to evolve as your child grows older.

Sexuality isn’t just about sex. It’s also the way your child feels about his/her body which definitely going through some development.

Sometimes ago, I read an article about a little girl who was given some rude information about the meaning of sex in the most unimaginable way.

But before then, she had walked up to her dad and asked him what sex was after returning from school.

The father being who is a clergy man immediately hushed her up and told her not to mention such a word in the house again. A similar response was also gotten from her mother when she asked again.

Not satisfied with the response from her parents, she was led to ask her Mom's driver the same question.

“Uncle, what is sex?”

The driver was surprised but excited has he felt an opportunity had arrived on a platter for him.

He warned her not to tell her parents what he was about to teach her. And of course she agreed and he showed her the best explanation to sex by raping her. The little girl was too scared to tell her parents and had to deal with the memories of the experience till she was 15 years of age before having the courage to let the cat out of the bag.

I guess you already know the moral lesson from this experience.

I'll like to summarize it by quoting the words of Fowowe who said that 

“ the strength of a sex predator is the ignorance of a child. Once the child is adequately equipped with the right, appropriate knowledge about sex, it would then be impossible for a predator to molest that child. Sex education, just like charity, should start from the home".

Below are some ways to conveniently talk to your child about sex.

• You need to first listen to the child to get what he already knows about sex.

Asking questions have proved very useful. E.g how do you think me and your dad got you (when mother is doing the questioning). Or aside from peeing, what else do you think you can use your penis and vagina for?

• Second, correct any misinformation and give the reasonable facts.

 Example when a child is a little of age, he needs to know that pronouncing words like penis, vagina, or breast shouldn't be embarrassing when talking to you.

• Third, use the conversation as an opportunity to convey your family value and ethics.

E.g saying things like 'It would be a good thing for you to also get pregnant with you own child but only when you're ready and of age'.

Fowowe also explained that sex education for children must consider the well-being of a child.

 So if we really care about them, we need to start at the early age to teach them the right things about sex and other related things. That way,matters concerning such subjects won't look strange talking to you about it.

Thanks for reading my blog. Do well to drop your comments.

All image source; Google