Sex Talk—More Is Better

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Vyxhgbsb of MD 10:35PM July 13, 2009

Young people sould know about safer sex and using condoms before they become sexualy active.

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Jennifer of CA 11:37PM March 26, 2008

I teach a workshop for parents on how to talk to your children about sex—and the workshop is for parents of kids ages 0-10. I often hear parents say—“no, I don’t need that info for another 10 years”, so I’m glad to have the Pediatrics study to point to now. I do tell parents that “sex ed” with a toddler is really a lot of conversations about anatomy, gender, bodily functions, vocabulary, autonomy, privacy, trust and much much more—and that this information cannot be taught in one sitting! Rather, it’s better to create the kind of relationships with your kids where they know that you are the person they can come to for accurate, helpful information about sexuality.

It’s also important for parents to start early and practice often, because by the time kids are older, and finally talking about more involved topics (like reproduction, contraception, ethical/moral issues, etc), the parents will have mastered the art of saying uncomfortable words and thinking and talking about their family values.

Great post, thank you!

Katie Malinski, LCSW

www.katiemalinski.com

Katie Malinski of TX 10:03PM March 08, 2008

Every human being is born a sexual being and because of that, will have numerous questions, thoughts and concerns about sexual topics throughout their life. Therefore, it's best to develop an age-approrpirate, "cradle to grave" approach of talking about sexual issues, boundaries, choices (healthy and unhealthy) with your child, teen or young adult. By doing so, it will become easier to talk about and your child will be better prepared to deal with things. If we are ever to truly reduce or prevent sexual victimization, we must also embrace the fact that we are raising BOTH victims and victimizers in our homes and adjust our conversations to address both groups. By sweeping victimizers under the rug of ignorance and denial, we are adding to the problem. Nancy Sabin, Executive Director of Jacob Wetterling Foundation www.jwf.org

Nancy Sabin of MN 4:38PM March 05, 2008

Children deserve age appropriate information -- when we teach the names of the parts of the body when they are a year ago, we should teach all the parts. When they ask where babies come from at age three, we should offer simple answers, not obfuscating ones. But even more important than giving facts is giving your family values. My books for parents, "Beyond the Big Talk" and "From Diapers to Dating", provide concrete suggestions on how to do just that.

Rev. Debra W. Haffner

Rev. Debra W. Haffner of CT 9:05AM March 05, 2008

My niese is 10 an years old chinese girl, I was majored in sociology.

when she was a 5 years old baby, the child often ask about where she was come from etc; As most adults did so to avoid uncomfort,We told her that she was adopted from a orphanage .

Now she is 10 years old ,and is going to junior high school ,so I think it is time to tell some of "the birds and the bees" to her.

annie 2:03AM March 04, 2008

Children should learn from the outset what the correct names for their organs are, and should be taught appropriate concepts when they ask about them (regardless of their age). Lying to them or using euphemisms and incorrect terminology will only serve to confuse them and cause them to distrust you as a parent in the future.

Caitlain of FL 9:28PM March 03, 2008

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Parenting may be an art, but there's a lot of science behind raising healthy, thriving children. Contributing Editor Nancy Shute explores the latest discoveries and developments affecting children's health and parenting. Send her your comments and questions at onparenting@usnews.com.

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