“Through Knowledge Comes Power: Sex Education for Young Kids” a guest post by Bel Messer.
Now we aren’t speaking about puberty or adolescence here. I am simply suggesting that we educate our young kids from 5 years in an age appropriate fashion. Believe it or not, “how babies are made” is a common lesson for young ones to learn in some countries. Unfortunately, in others it is a taboo.
For a child to learn about sex in a truthful and safe environment has to be the best choice. Doesn’t it? For many children, they will likely find out through watching TV, on the internet or even in the schoolyard. Exactly what they are picking up, I’m not sure. One thing is for certain though; they will be educated somewhere, somehow along the lines.
The taboo placed around the word sex seems to be the problem. Animals do it to reproduce, so why is it that when it comes to an adult explaining sex to conceive a baby, is it such an unthinkable or embarrassing conversation to begin.
I recently wrote the 21st Century Guide to the Birds and the Bees with a friend of mine. We created this story book especially for young children from 5 years. It has beautiful illustrations and simple text and we strived to create the perfect resource for young kids. Giving them a basic understanding of how babies can be made in the 21st Century, pregnancy and birth.
Kids are mini little sponges; they are forever inquisitive and can handle more information than we give them credit for.
Try to remember that sex is just one part of the ‘talk’. The really cool stuff that happens once the sperm and the egg meet is just as likely to capture a young child’s attention. That little embryo is amazing. Just think of the factual information you could be teaching. Rather than the uninformed school yard banter. Not to mention the word sex typed into google and the image button hit! Oh my Lordy!
If the day comes that you are asked where babies come from and you are caught out, or unprepared. Use these five words. “I’ll get back to you”. This completely acceptable sentence tells your child that you will in fact give them the answers they desire, you just need to get yourself organised. (Go and buy our book if you already haven’t and put it away).
Through knowledge certainly comes power. Power to say NO if a situation arises that the child is uncomfortable with. To have the ‘talk’ leads to having other ‘talks’. Having an open dialog with you, empowers your child more than you will ever know.
The 21st Century Guide to the Birds and the Bees is available worldwide online at www.IAmExtraSpecial.com
Xx Bel
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What age does she recommend having this talk? My nearly 7 year old is very curious!