Why and how parents should impart their children with the right kind of sex education?

Summary:

Here are a few good reasons why you need to take some time out and make sure that your child has the right kind of sexual information and how it can help your child...

Keywords:

sex education, parenting, family issues, postive feelings, parents and childrens, teaching sex to kids

Article Body:

Many parents are confused about what they should tell their children about sex and when and how this should happen. Parents are also concerned that sexual information might heighten children’s interest in experimentation, but many studies have shown that information and education do not encourage sexual activity. On the contrary, wellinformed children make better and informed decisions regarding their sexuality, when they feel that no subjects are considered taboo at home. Some parents are concerned that their children never ask any questions of a sexual nature. Children pick up subtle cues and have probably realised that the topic makes parents feel uncomfortable and therefore steer clear of it. It is important to make children feel good about their sexuality from the beginning. This will make it easier for them to ask questions about it throughout their lives. Here are a few good reasons why you need to take some time out and make sure that your child has the right kind of sexual information and how it can help your child.

PREGNANCY AND AIDS: Previously, the threat of unwanted pregnancies and STDs were the main reasons parents talked about sex. Many never did. Sex was made out to be something terrifying that could lead to scandal and disaster and social ostracism. Nowadays, the terrifying rise in HIV infections has added urgency to the need for proper sex education.

AN ONGOING PROCESS: Questions should be answered naturally and in age-appropriate fashion. A question on pregnancy from a five-year-old should be answered differently from when it is asked by a twelve-year-old.

BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL: Model the lessons you want to teach your children through your own behaviour, expectations and messages. Children learn more from what they see you doing than from what you say.

KNOW YOUR FACTS: Even if it means reading up, then do so. If asked a question you do not know, say that you are unsure and go and do some research.

GIVE FACTS: Children are not always able to distinguish between facts and beliefs. Do not let your personal belief system influence what you answer to a factual question. While there is room for imparting your values, this is not it.

ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD: Curious children end up being better informed generally and self-confident children overcome peer pressure more easily. Praise is the best way to teach self-confidence.

LISTEN CAREFULLY: Guard against overkill. Answer what is asked, without going into unnecessary details and don’t jump to conclusions about your children’s sexual activities. Their questions may spring from something they heard on the playground, not because they are experimenting themselves.

POSITIVE FEELINGS: Young people who have positive feelings about sexuality are more likely to be able to protect themselves against STDs, unintended pregnancies and sexual abuse.

BE PATIENT: Sometimes some of your children’s questions could upset or embarrass you. Try not to criticise, lecture or nag. If you do, you won’t be asked questions again.

ASSURANCE: Let your children know that you are proud of them and that they are lovable. It will help to build their self-esteem. Also stress that it is normal for everyone to be different and that you do not find their questions strange in any way. A child is very vulnerable and can get carried away by external sources. Make sure you impart a proper understanding of sexuality in your child, and always be open to them and keep your child safe.
This is also the responsibility of parents of Indian Girls to guide their teen aged children about dating. Some times parents are very strict, because of Indian traditions. They don't allow their children, especially when they are in their teen age, to go out on date. This results in secret relationship and may cause other problems for their children. The better way is to guide your teen aged children and ask them to hold for some times to become of legal age for dating. Even if they are of legal age, they should be guided not to commit mistakes in finding their dating partner or soul mate. Don't take decision in hurry and don't trust any one without testing him for love and sincerity.

A Parent's Guide To Sexual Health Education

Summary:

This article provides several helpful tips and advice for parents that are having a

hard time about talking sexual health to their children. It is important to have an open communication with the teenagers, especially at this crucial point in their lives.

Keywords:

sexual health education

Article Body:

Most parents understand the concept of sexual health education, but many do not consider classroom instructions on sexual health sufficient for their children’s needs. Although basic information is shared during class, the teenager might not hear or understand everything that he or she needs to know. Sexual health education is a parent's responsibility, awkward as it may be. Still, society, by and large, relies on the formal school system to provide children with the necessary biological and social background about sexuality. But by giving follow-up information and reinforcing what the teenager learned in school, parents can help their children in making wise decisions when it comes to sex.

It's not easy for parents to talk to their own children about the sensitive topic of sex. Perennially waiting for the proverbial right moment can make parents miss opportunities to teach their children about the need for information, responsibility, and circumspect when it comes to sexual behavior. Rather than getting ready for this kind of talk, think of sexual health education as just another ongoing conversation. For example, seize the moment whenever a TV program raises issues on responsible sexual behavior, and use this to start the discussion. If in case a good topic comes up at a not-so- convenient time, simply say that talking about this later would be a good idea, and mean it by talking about it at a much later time.

Keeping sexual health education low-key may be a good idea. Never try to pressure the child to talk about sex. Simply bring up the topic whenever you are alone with your child or teenager. Everyday moments like car rides, grocery shopping, or during late night snacks can be the best opportunity to talk about sex. Also, being honest with your children is important. Admitting to them that, like them, you feel uncomfortable talking about sex but emphasize that it is a subject that you must discuss openly without pre-judgment or apprehensions. If ever the child asks a question that any of the parents don't have an answer to, offering to do research on the answers or looking them up together should be a good alternative.

When talking about sexual health education to kids, being direct is also needed for clear communication. Stating feelings and opinions on specific sex issues such as oral sex and intercourse, and presenting the risks involved objectively, including emotional pain, sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy can open their eyes to possible risks when dealing with premarital sex. In addition, lecturing or giving out scare tactics won't do any good. Never lecture them or rely on scare tactics just to discourage them from doing any sexual activities. Instead, by listening carefully to what they have to say can help you understand the child's everyday pressures, challenges, and concerns with regards to sexual health.

In having the right sexual health education-related conversation with a teenager, it is essential to go beyond the facts. The child needs to know the right information, but still needs to open up to their feelings, their values, and attitudes. Try and examine ethical questions with responsibility in the context of the family's own personal or religious beliefs. And by inviting your children to have more discussions with you on sex and other issues that matter to them, you will also make your relationships with them more healthy, informative, and fun.