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What you should teach varies
with the age and understanding of the child. Sex education begins the first
time you name parts of the body, including genitals to a toddler. You could
start sex education as early as age 3 or when a child starts asking questions.
Like “ where did I come from? Why is my body different from your body?
- Tell them about the structure and function of the reproductive system according to their age.
- Tell them about “Good touch” and “Bad touch”; “privacy and private part” should be distinguishable.
It is sad to note that parents fail to start
their children on the information they need to grow as sexually healthy and
morally balanced adults. There are irrational fears that when you teach children
about their sexuality, you will be introducing them to early sexual experience.
Withholding information
about sex and sexuality will not keep children safe; it will only keep them
ignorant. Sharing a book with a young child, or letting an older child read
independently, often leads to questions and discussions about sexual health.
It
is very important to note that sexuality is part of a whole human being that
cannot be separated. It starts from birth to death, it determines who you are.
Consider the following “teaching moments”
- Asks where babies come from i.e he or she came from?
- Starts touching themselves in public, in ways that appear uncomfortable to people
- Asks questions about parts of the body e.g this is your head, mouth, hands and legs
- Asks why he/she looks different from others
-
When you are no more comfortable to allow the
child move naked around the home.
Finally, teaching children about sex
should begin as soon as you are able to communicate with them. Parents/Grand
parents should watch out for teaching moments and explore same. Sex education
happens whether we know it or not, it is better we start the process. You
should start early definitely before puberty.
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