2006-10-02 04:41:06 · 21 answers · asked by adam peter 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
I'm delighted you're thinking about how to answer these questions for young children, because now is when your children are learning values about people with different sexual orientations. Now is when they're hearing words like "dyke" and "******" on the playground, so it's the right time to provide alternatives.
It's important not to put any more emphasis on sex than you would in explaining heterosexual relationships to children in grade school. I'm sure you've thought about how to explain heterosexual relationships and sex to your children, especially how to do that in a way that fits their level of emotional and cognitive development. I'd use the same strategy in considering how to explain gay and lesbian relationships.
Also, there are books written for varying ages that will help you explain. For instance, one popular work is Heather Has Two Mommies, by Leslea Newman and Diana Souza. Another is Uncle What Is It Is Coming To Visit by Michael Willhoite.
Thanks for being so thoughtful about teaching your children.
2006-10-02 04:47:11 · answer #1 · answered by Markin Gomez 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Not a hard thing to do. When children begin asking about human sexuality they do not have preconceived notions or prejudice about anything - they are a blank slate. When explaining the sexuality between a man and a woman it is easy to then include and acknowledge there are also alternate sexual orientations of men/men and women/women. The explanations of what's right and wrong in your own mind has no place. When doing that you are conveying your own prejudices to a child and creating that prejudice in them at the same time. It really is enough to explain it all in simple terms that children can grasp. They will get back to you soon enough as they grow older with questions about why some people vilify others who are not like them.
2006-10-02 06:36:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I believe one should stand up for what they believe is right, even if it is the unpopular choice. It is clear here that I will be standing alone. Nonetheless, although I know that I will probably get "thumbs down" from a myriad of people that cannot respect my views, here is the truth.
I would explain that some people choose to do what God tells them not to.
I'd keep it as simple as that. The mechanics of sex are not appropriate for a tiny child. That can come later when they are mature enough to digest the concept.
2006-10-03 04:34:03 · answer #3 · answered by Robert 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dependant on the age of the children, I wouldn't explain it unless asked. However, it is only right and important that children understand that there are many different parts of society and they all have a right to exist without prejudice or fear.
2006-10-02 06:56:43 · answer #4 · answered by frontera2 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I had a dear friend who was a lesbian. Unfortunately, I lost her after 34 years of friendship to cancer. She was there when my son was born. As Dylan grew older it was natural for him to see that Shyrlene and Debbie loved each other. When he was 6 or so, Shyrlene and I told him that she and Debbie were a couple like our other friends Matt and Theresa. He was like, yea I knew that, where are the Lego's.
Just explain that sexual orientation is the way a person is born. Some people are attracted to these and some to others. I believe in starting early too.
2006-10-02 04:50:21 · answer #5 · answered by Gorgeoustxwoman2013 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Holy Crap. Now I know what's wrong with society! Everyone thinks it's all about SEX. As usual.
I explained it to my children with ease, because I talked to them about people who LOVE EACH OTHER, and I used terms they understood, about boyfriends, girlfriends, crushes, etc.
I sure as hell didn't need to get into an explanation about the mechanics of gay or lesbian sex to get the concept across! My kids understood at an early age that there are all different types of couples, different types of families, different types of communities.
Why does everything automatically have to be about sex!?
2006-10-02 09:09:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Explain no more than they need to know.
Do you go into the full mechanics of intercourse with a six year old? Why would talking about homosexuality be any different?
2006-10-02 04:44:01 · answer #7 · answered by IndyT- For Da Ben Dan 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I dont understand the question, if its should you explain it then id say explain it in an informative way that teaches them that being gay is NOT wrong. that its who we are and we are born either gay, straight or bi some people are also born transgendered and thats something that isn't wrong either. its not something that should be frowned upon and i believe that the earlier children understand that it is not something bad the more open minded they will be when they grow up.
just my opinion though
why let homophobic people corupt a small mind teach them to be open minded and accept all people for who they are. you can not hide the truth form kids. those of you that think keeping it from the kids is the right thing are wrong. teach them let them grow up to be wholesome people that accept all people for who they are. i never said anything about talking about sex. being gay is not about sex. so many of you are so close minded its scary
2006-10-02 04:46:17 · answer #8 · answered by KellyJeanne 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Why? If the children never ask don't bother. By the time they are old enough to understand they will already know about it.
2006-10-02 04:45:21 · answer #9 · answered by Robert P 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Easy. "Auntie B why did that man kiss another man? "Beacuse he likes him and or loves him" same for women "Auntie B so and so has 2 Daddies, how come he has no Mommie? Beacuse darling, not everyone needs a mommie why would he need a mommie with TWO daddies?" and various other things...Just explain to the child that it is not wrong and they love each other just like you love----- or Mommie loves ------
2006-10-02 10:40:46 · answer #10 · answered by essexsrose 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋