Parents are the most important sex educators of children, and helping children grow up to be sexually healthy is a big responsibility. Learning about sex is a process that needs to be taken in steps, beginning in early childhood. The following are some guidelines that may help to encourage the development of your children into loving, caring, sexually healthy adults.
Teach your children the correct names for all parts of the body. This avoids embarrassment or misunderstanding, as they get older.
Your children will develop healthy attitudes about sex if you are open to answering their questions and talking about sex and they won't see it as a mystery or taboo subject to be learned from friends.
Answer only the questions they ask, give them the facts, and keep it simple. They will ask for more information when they are ready.
Look for and promote your children's strengths. A positive self-image is necessary for healthy sexuality
Find out what your school age children are learning as they begin to read and become more independent. At this age, it is important to keep the lines of communication open. Listen to your children's words and feelings. Avoid lecturing and preaching.
Create an inviting, warm and supportive home atmosphere.
Children need to learn about the changes of puberty before they happen.
It is important to dispel myths, to reinforce the necessity of making responsible choices, to practise decision-making skills and also to emphasize the positive aspects of healthy sexuality, not just the negative.
Talking about sex does not cause children to have sex.
Discussing your values and feelings about sex is as important as teaching your children the facts.
Take advantage of opportunities such as when you're watching television, if you see a pregnant woman, or find an interesting article in the newspaper to start the discussion.
If your children don't want to talk about sex, don't push them, just let them know you are available and try again at a later time.
Teach your children about touch starting at a young age. When you show your children love, you are also teaching them how to love and value others. Touch gives children, even teens, a feeling of closeness, comfort, safety, and peace.
Make sure your children are aware of touch that isn't positive and healthy. Teach your children what is and what is not acceptable and remember not to limit your discussion to strangers. Most sexual abusers are someone the children know and trust.
Developed by the Comprehensive School Health Department, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
Teach your children the correct names for all parts of the body. This avoids embarrassment or misunderstanding, as they get older.