Ask Amy, a new Q & A column to help parents and caregivers raise sexually healthy children.
Families are as diverse as the world around us. Mothers and fathers head some households. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles head others. Some homes have one parent or guardian. Some have two mothers. Others have two fathers. The fact remains that all these people are—and ought to be— the primary sexuality educators of their children.
Sexuality education begins at home. Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to discuss sexuality issues with their children on a daily basis. From the moment of birth, children learn about love, touch, and relationships. Infants and toddlers learn about sexuality through example when their parents talk to them, dress them, show affection, play with them, and teach them the names of the parts of their bodies. As children grow into adolescence, developing relationships within their families and the social environment, they continue to receive messages about sexual behaviors, attitudes, and values.
Some parents and caregivers are comfortable discussing sexuality issues with their kids. Others may feel anxious about providing too much information or embarrassed about not knowing answers to questions that are asked. Parents or caregivers may also feel uncomfortable communicating because of their cultural values, norms, and traditions. What we say and how we say it—and what we don’t say—all send messages about sexuality. Honest, open communication between parents and children—throughout childhood, the pre-teen years, adolescence, and young adulthood—will help lay the foundation as they mature into sexually healthy adults.
Teach your kids your values and beliefs about sexuality before someone else does.
Click here for SIECUS publications that can help you communicate with your children about sexuality issues.
Click here for the radio series "Take A Minute To Talk About Sexuality With Your Kids." Learn how and when to talk with your children of all ages – preschoolers, elementary school, middle school and high school students - about sexuality-related issues.
