2) How do you think children should be taught about sexual anatomy? When should this teaching begin?

GASANG, VERA MARIE B. III-A (Feb.10,2009)

2) How do you think children should be taught about sexual anatomy? When should this teaching begin?

Our child’s sexual education begins soon after birth and continues throughout the early years. The positive attitudes and feelings we pass to our children through gentle touching, rocking and other signs of affection help to form
each child’s self-esteem. This self-esteem influences our son’s and daughter’s decisions during the later adolescent and adult years.
The preschooler needs to learn the proper names for parts of the body and where babies come from. Early use of anatomically correct terms such as penis, vagina and rectum show our children that these topics are open for discussion and are neither dirty nor embarrassing.
As the child enters grade school, the questions become more probing and certainly more interesting. This is an ideal time to show that no questions are off limits. At the very least, it is suggested the basics of reproduction be explained.
By age 10, puberty begins to take hold and body images begin to change. This is a time for attention to detail. Discussions about menstruation, puberty and sexually transmitted diseases are all appropriate. Being a good listener is essential along with a readiness to share your personal feelings. This is probably the most impressionable of times. It is at this educational level that we tend to differ from our European counterparts. The significantly lower numbers of teen pregnancies in Europe are not because of increased abortion rates or to an increased level of abstinence. The kids are simply better educated, have access to contraception and have protected sexual activities. Europeans start teaching their children about sex in kindergarten and the first grade. Having taught sex education to grade school kids, we can tell you that the children have already formulated specific views on sex by age 10 or 11. To make an impact, we definitely need to start early.
By age 12, discussions regarding sexual activity, erections, birth control, abortion, sexually transmitted diseases, abstinence and peer relationships should be emphasized. If one waits much beyond this time period, important beliefs and attitudes may be solidified and difficult to modify.
When is the best time to discuss sex and sexuality with your child? Earlier than you may think is necessary and at every chance you get!
Sex Education Pearls: By Age 5...sexual body parts, the right to say "no" to unwanted touching, know where babies come from. By Age 10... brief answers regarding reproduction, menstruation, changes to expect in puberty, begin discussing sexually transmitted diseases. By Age 12... basic sexuality with emphasis on normal feelings, erections & wet dreams, birth control, abortion, sexually transmitted diseases, how to say no, peer relationships.

by Craig R. Sweet, M.D.
& Larry Goldman, M.D.

Based on the said literature, in my own opinion knowledge is power and power allows children to make educated decisions that will affect the rest of their lives. First children should be taught in a manner that is both scientific and conservative. Words should be carefully chosen to avoid imparting the wrong impression. Questions regarding sex often are asked quite early and certainly when least expected. Early discussions are very important and show the child that they are an approachable parent. He or she will begin to build confidence about their answers and opinions and the confidence in discussing sex and sexuality will also grow. It’s good to encourage parents and educators to keep their minds open and to educate children at a younger age then they may have thought appropriate. Perhaps it is time to discuss the difficult issues of sex and to dispel the myths that promote unprotected intercourse for young teens which result in unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. The topic should be discussed truthfully, open discussion and minimal criticism and judgment. Likewise, it is also the right of every parent to determine how and when their children should learn about sex and the consequences of sexual activity. If they do not talk about sex, it suggests to children that sex is bad or shouldn’t be discussed. When talking about sex, people need to remember to be both a listener and an educator. They need to discuss honestly such topics as penetration, orgasm, ejaculation, sexually transmitted diseases, homosexuality and masturbation. Always be honest, assume nothing and listen carefully to the questions. Remember, if people encourage children to openly ask questions about sex, they also ask questions about other important subjects. Being overly judgmental will quickly break down communication. This doesn’t mean that everything that children do or say is right, but there are ways to show concerns without being demeaning or judgmental.