At What Age To You Think It Is Appropiate To Discuss Sex With Your Child?

Question

Last year my Son's school did a "sex education" for all grades Kindergarten to 6. Of course the content varied by age group, but in Kindergarten they were taught the "real" names for all the parts, where a baby grows and comes from and that no one is allowed to touch etc....

Answer 1

I told my children the correct names for their body parts right from the get go. I do not consider this discussing Sex with my children. Although I told my children that anytime they wanted to talk about sex with me I was here for them when they were in grade one. They have all approached me at different ages. But i have always kept the dialog open.

There is a book titled, "A Kids First Book About Sex" it is aimed at pre-literate children just becoming curious, A Kid's First Book About Sex focuses on self-image and the pleasures of sexuality, not reproduction. The direct writing and playful illustrations make teaching and learning about sex easy and honest. A sex-positive classic, it is on our book shelf.

There is another titled, The New Speaking of Sex: What your children need to know and when they need to know it.

The Subtitle of this books sums it up nicely. Meg Hickling gently dispels misconceptions and unhealthy beliefs about sex by telling humorous stories from over 25 years of experience working with children, families, teachers and other professionals. She delivers no-nonsense facts in a humorous yet 'scientific' manner. She touches on the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual aspects of sexuality - a "whole" person approach to sex.

Answer 2

My boys are ages 5 and 6. I have spoken with them about the different parts of the body. And when they have questions, I answer them honestly. I have explained why women have periods, where the baby comes from, why boys and girls have different "pee-pees" and what they are called, and even why women have breasts. I have also explained to them that sex is a very natural thing, but should not be done until they are older and are in love.

Children are curious, and better for them to get the truth from you than to hear false statements from other kids. And if they are learning the truth, than they will probably be less promiscuous growing up (at least I hope). You have to realize, kids are having babies very early now days. Better to arm them with the truth than some fantasy.

Answer 3

I feel that when you as a parent are confidant that your child can understand about sex that is the time to tell him/her. The age can vary with each child. There are ways to teach sex without embarassing the child and definately not embarassing you. They can understand much better with a book of the appropriate group age and you pointing out what is what so to speak.

Good luck
habby

Answer 4

It is very good material for a child. While they are on this topic at school I would find out if they are teaching a program called "Good Touch Bad Touch". Then they have the proper names and can identify if they are ever being touched or abused. They will be able to talk a little more openly and have less fears.

Good luck

Answer 5

They publish books on sex ed for all ages (similar to your son's school's sex ed program, which sounds fantastic, by the way). If you think your child is old enough (reading on his own, etc.), you can buy him a book. He might be interested, he might not. My parents let me read the basics in 2nd and 3rd grade and it meant that I was much more comfortable asking them questions as I grew up and started putting two and two together. I firmly believe that it's why I didn't rush out and have sex too soon when I was older; I didn't have any mysteries to solve. ;-) Good luck!

Answer 6

I think that is a little young. At that age, kids need to know the names of their private parts and they need to know that no one is to touch them. And perhaps, that sex is something mommies and daddies do when they are married. Other than that, I think you should just answer any questions that they come up with and leave it at that for a while. I have a 3 yr old, 6 yr old, and 4 yr old. I can't imagine them knowing all about it!!

Answer 7

I think that you have to start young. Not nec talking about SEX SEX, but talking about body parts as young as possible. And then you build on it. Over time they eventually have a really great understanding of their bodies and sex.
I started talking with my daughter when she started school. We talked about names of body parts and good touch-bad touch. Over time and as her body has changed we have added to that. Now she is 10 and we have had to talk about sex, appropriatness with boys etc.
As age appropriately as possible we have talked about safe sex and the importance of women protecting themselves. I have left the lines of communication open with her and told her that if she ever didn't feel like talking to me about something that she can call her auntie.
She has asked me some pretty difficult questions, and sometimes I squirm in my seat trying to figure out how to address them. But all in all, I think honesty is the best policy and have always been honest- maybe I have sugar coated somethings but have always been honest.
You would be amazed at the things that kids say in school these days. One time she came home and told me this little boy at school said ******** and wanted to know what it was- yeah how do you answer that one for a 10 yo????

Answer 8

I had a sex talk with my 12,10, and 8 1/2 year old. They had some questions they wanted to ask me, things they had heard from someone else and I'd rather arm them with the right information than what they heard from someone else. I explained to them about a women's cycle, how girls and boys body changes thru puberty and how babies are made. I didn't get graphic at all with the sex part. I think I've explained it to them several times. They always forget.

Answer 9

Sex education should be the parents responsibility not the schools.
Of course teaching them the basics before K is good....the rest should be done as appropriately needed.
Forcing all this info too early just confuses them.
I'm an expert....I'm a Parent.

Answer 10

I believe that soon as they start asking is an excellent choice. If you talk about when they are young, while it maybe uncomfortable but it will make it easier in the future when they have more detailed questions, and it will make them comfortable with coming to you with questions later. As far as euphemisms go, they must not be used because it only creates confusion later on.