Atheist - How do we instruct our chidren on sex?

Question

I saw a Christian posted a similar question, I thought your views would be more interesting, so thats why I'm asking

Answer 1

Just tell them the truth. When they ask you answer thoroughly and honestly. Teach your children that sex is normal and natural and nothing to be afraid of.

Answer 2

They're your kids so you should know what they can handle information wise. I'd suggest telling them where babies come from as soon as they want to know. Leave out how babies get there unless they specifically asked. Ease into it but it's vitally important that kids know the risks and rewards before their early teens when they are physicality ready but not mentally or emotionally. Impress on them that any mutually consensual sex is a very serious grown-up commitment. Sure it's fun but like anything that's really fun to do there are risks involved so you gotta be careful. Impress on them that any non-consensual sex is bad news. If someone asks them or tries to force them to do something they are not ready for they have a right to do everything in their power to stop them. Tell someone and if they don't believe you tell someone else etc until someone believes. It's equally bad the other way around nobody has any rights to even touch another person without their permission outside of lifesaving procedures.

Answer 3

You instruct them with honesty and frankness. They're going to be curious, and this is serious stuff here. If you make up stories (storks and cabbage patches, anyone?) or put them off ("You'll understand when you're older"), they quickly learn not to come to you. That's a tragic position to be in as a parent.

Sex is only dirty if you MAKE it dirty. Me? I see it as a very necessary part of life. Take away the "perverted" feeling, and it's actually quite easy to talk to children about. While my wife and I are expecting our first (in December! Have a drink on me!), I've given "the talk" before. There's really nothing to it.

I do, however, find that I'm going to have a great deal of trouble explaining people like Hitler to them. Or even, for that matter, racists. Maybe because I don't fully understand people like that, either.

Answer 4

hello...
well its a hard question..first of all,it depends on how old our children are... and the younger they are, the more you have to/can omit... and the older they are, the more you can explain..

if they are under the age of 9/10..and they ask you something like " how do we make babies?" ..it'd be wise to answer abstractly...like " babies are made/born when a man and a woman who love each other decide to have one...they get together,unite through the action of love and thats how a baby is made...it stays in the mother's body, then after nine months comes out.."

if its more of a graphic question..like " what is sex" ( although most children would be embarassed to ask that)...answer with some scientific but clear terms, and make it sound natural,clean and respectful...
something like
"well...sex is our way to reproduce ourselves as humans...the penis is the sex organ for males...and the vagina is the sex organ for female..when a man and a woman "have sex", sexual intercourse takes place which leads to the conception of a baby ... :))

and you can end it,,anytime,anywhere in the explanation by simply saying " well..well u get older , u will understand..and im sure you'll learn about it at school"

but be aware of the words u say for the age group of your child..
i hope i was of good help...

you know..to save yourselves from awkward moments...do not teach them about them unless they ask you... children usually all learn about it from friends or at school...but if you are in excellent terms with your children...don't hesitate..dialogue is always the best way to communicate and teach stuff...

cya

Answer 5

I start with basic answers to the basic questions that children ask. As they get older I explain more. We talk about shows watched and problems to watch for. Both my daughters waited in till they were out of high school to have sex. They have always had access to whatever need for safe sex and the ability to talk to both parents about anything. They both waited till they thought they were mature enough to handle. Both daughters have very good and steady long term relationships .

Answer 6

Without accessing the bizarre taboos and irrelevancies contained in religious doctrine.

I place it into biological, social and emotional context, give them all the standard warnings about STD's, peer pressure, sex as portrayed by the media vs reality and answer their questions as objectively and honestly as possible. I don't lie, deceive or sugar-coat any of it.

I certainly teach them to respect sex as a normal part of life, and not some "dirty" thing to be whispered about or hidden away. Finally, with older people (young adults) I would encourage them to explore their sexuality, learn to enjoy it, and to be good at it too. It's a great part of life, and too much fun to be ruined by idiotic, religiously inspired hang ups.

Answer 7

I don't have any children nor do I plan to do so

but I think answering any questions honestly is a good start. Don't make it a taboo subject and if they're old enough make sure they are aware of contraception/safe sex

Answer 8

Tell them the truth when they ask where babies come from.
Before they reach puberty, tell them about the responsibility they take on if and when they decide to have sex with someone. Teach them how to use contraceptives. Tell them how important love is in any relationship.

Answer 9

Teach them how to protect themselves. They are going to do it no matter what you teach anyway. I will tell my children that if they are going to have sex that they have to use protection not only for there safety but for the good of everyone around them. But I will also tell them that they shouldn't rush into having sex just because everyone is doing it, make sure its with someone that you really like.

Answer 10

I want to have an open dialog about sex with my children the way my mother did with me. I think that it’s good for children to have a healthy understanding so that they are prepared when they feel ready to start having it (which no matter what you do is always going to seem too soon for the parents - lol).

But I want them safe.