Dear Parents,

 

Sex education, which is sometimes called sexuality education or sex and relationships education, is the process of acquiring information and forming attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexual identity, relationships and intimacy. Sex education is also about developing young people's skills so that they make informed choices about their behavior, and feel confident and competent about acting on these choices.

Let's face it, talking about sexual matters with your child can make you both feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. Especially when you think they are too young to think about that stuff! There's no doubt, that kids between the ages of 5 and 7 become much more aware of their gender. Boys tend to associate only with boys, and girls only with girls. They may even say that they hate children of the opposite sex!

Questions about sex become more complex, as your child tries to understand the connection between sexuality and making babies. He or she may even turn to friends for answers...And we know the danger in that! Children between the ages of 8 and 12 worry about whether they are "normal." Penis size and breast size can cause undue worry... more so in the late developers. Children may need reassurance that they are normal and that children of that age develop at very different rates.

Of course, some people will tell you that the sex education kids receive at school, and the books they read, will be enough to educate them. That it's no longer necessary to talk to them about sex. It is widely accepted that young people have a right to sex education, partly because it is a means by which they are helped to protect themselves against abuse, exploitation, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.

Sex education seeks both to reduce the risks of potentially negative outcomes from sexual behavior like unwanted or unplanned pregnancies and infection with sexually transmitted diseases, and to enhance the quality of relationships. It is also about developing young people's ability to make decisions over their entire lifetime. Sex education that works, by which we mean that it is effective is sex education that contributes to this overall aim.

 

We acknowledge that most of kids today become sexually active at age 12 and up. For most of them, they start to have constant sex at an early age, which I believe is horrible. This is where our parents have to come in to make sure they sit and discuss the consequences with their children, before things get out of hand. I also believe it is the parents’ responsibility of the parents to tell their kids about sex before they hear it from somewhere else.

 

It can be very difficult when trying to talk to kids about sex, I know, but we must not let that to slow us or discourage us talking things over with our kids. The need to out excitement in such discussion can not be overemphasized. Talk to the child without making him or she feels bad and always allow the child to participate in the discussion. If possible, continue such discussion on a regular basis until that child fully understands what you are trying to convey.

 

When you are discussing sex with your kid, be on point; don’t try to hide anything, after all the kid is learning from you. If you are trying to tell the kids about his or sexual organs, use refined words and don’t be explicit. Try to tell the child about the consequences of sex at an early age. And that they shouldn’t allow peer pressure to make them do things that they don’t want to do.

 

Talk to the kids about sexual transmitted diseases. You can also tell them about abstinence and how it is the best protection again pregnancy and other sexual diseases. Remember you are just advising. However, they would have to decide which course to take or follow when they become sexually active, but at least they will know the pros and cons before having sex.

 

There should always be open communication between you and your child. You should serve as your child’s guardian counselor. Be the first to educate your child about sex and not letting him or her taking clues from the school, friends, or television.

 

Now a day, I hear a lot of girls say, “I wish my mother discussed sex with me at an early age, I wouldn't be in this problem that I’m in now.” And I am sure you wouldn’t want your kid saying that, so do the best that you can do now before it gets too late. It’s never too late to discuss sex with your precious gems.

 

Remember, the quickest way to distance yourself from your child and damage the best chance you have of creating an open line of communication, not only on sex, but anything is not talking to this child.

To comment on this article, please email Miss Kayla at: missk@africanstarz.com