It is a subject that many people do not want to approach with their kids but sexual education is a vital part of your children’s lives and whilst they may learn some things at school, this kind of information is far better coming form a parent. Our kids are exposed to a great deal of sexuality these days, in magazines, films and on TV and it is up to your to create an open and honest environment with your children to discuss sex. The question is however, at what point in the life of your child, do you begin to talk about the birds and the bees. There is a fine balance to be struck here as if you speak about it too early, you could spoil their innocence, too late and they may already have ideas in there head. Let’s take a look at how to decide when is the right time.
Other Parents
Staying in touch with other parents who have children of the same age is a good way of working out when the best time is to start discussing sex with your children.The last thing that you want is for another kid to be informed and then speak to your uninformed child about it. In order to avoid this, speak to the parents of your children’s friends and try to reach an agreement together.
Conversations
Very often you will know the right time to start talking to your kids about sex based on the conversation which you have with them. Children are an inquisitive bunch and they will start asking you questions about sex once they start to get curious. The key is to teach your children the core basics once they begin asking questions, the science should come before anything like social opinions towards sex.
Education
You should be in close contact with your children’s teachers at school to find out when they are planning on educating your children on the birds and the bees. Make sure that once they start learning this topic at school, that you are also having follow up conversations with your children around what they are learning. It is important that in the early stages, you let the children talk about what they have learned and that you are solely on hand to answer any queries which they may have.
Sooner is Better
The final point to make on this is that the longer you wait to teach your kids about sex, the worse it could be for you. Your children should have a strong and honest understanding of what sex is and all of the themes which surround it so that they grow up with a healthy attitude towards this subject. You want your child to grow up knowing that they can talk to you about anything and sex is often one of the biggest obstacles between a parent and child, create an open environment and control the information which your child receives when it comes to the birds and the bees.