‘Sexual education should be a part of everyone’s life, regardless of the fears and taboos we have the courage to overcome.’
— Bisi Alimi
We need to stop treating discussions about sex with our children as something we can’t talk about. As the saying goes, education starts at home, and that includes sex education.
Our homes are the perfect place for children to get a well-rounded education.
In today’s world, where information is easily accessible, parents need to be open-minded and well-informed when it comes to sex education.
There’s a good chance our children will come across misleading or inappropriate content, especially with the internet around. If they don’t have a proper understanding, they can easily fall into traps.
That’s why parents today have no choice but to teach their children about sex from a young age.
The information they share must be accurate, comprehensive, and open-minded.
It’s crucial to provide them with science-based facts so they can make informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and sexual health.
Being open-minded allows parents to have honest and clear discussions about sex.
It also helps children develop the skills to evaluate online resources critically and find reliable information.
These open conversations promote healthy attitudes and beliefs about sexuality, consent, and body image.
They contribute to the development of self-esteem, respect, and empathy in children.
Comprehensive sex education empowers children to understand the importance of safe sex practices, contraception, and protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The key here is to approach the discussion with an open mind. This approach helps break the stigma and shame associated with sex, ensuring that children have positive and affirming views of their bodies and sexuality.
An open-minded approach also allows parents to address any misconceptions or myths their children may have picked up from peers, media, or the internet.
It encourages children to ask questions, seek information, and take control of their own sexual health and well-being. It also helps build trust between parents and children.
When children feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics with their parents, they are more likely to seek guidance and share their concerns.
This approach also helps children develop essential life skills such as communication, critical thinking, decision-making, and respecting boundaries, which they will carry into adulthood.
We can’t deny that talking to children about sex education can be challenging for many parents due to the sensitivity and complexity of the topic.
That’s why we need to start early and establish a foundation for discussing more complex topics as they grow older.
There are many ways to approach this. For example, we can use everyday situations like watching a TV show, reading a book, or seeing a pregnant person as starting points for discussions about sex, relationships, and the human body.
However, we must adapt the discussion to our child’s age and avoid overwhelming them with details they may not be ready to understand.
At the same time, we need to listen attentively to our child’s questions and concerns. Whenever possible, we should let them guide the conversation and share their thoughts, feelings, and curiosities.
To recap, parents play a crucial role in sex education. They are the primary protectors against misinformation and have the responsibility of creating a safe environment for their children to discuss sexual health and relationships.
By discussing sex education with their children, parents empower them with the knowledge they need for their overall well-being, safety, and understanding of their bodies and relationships.
By establishing a safe and supportive environment, parents ensure their children receive accurate information and develop healthy attitudes towards sexuality and relationships.
‘Sexuality education should start at home, and parents should be the first educators.’
— Gail Dines
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
