Open discussion of human sexuality and sexually related topics can be heard on television and in the community. Problems in our society- AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases- are a major concern and the rising voices call for an end to the ignorance.
As a counselor I am frequently asked by parents: “What is appropriate and healthy in the way of sex education in the home?” Parents are becoming more aware that leaving the whole job of sex education to schools, churches and the child’s peers is not adequate.
I feel strongly that a parent’s interaction with children on this topic strongly affects the way they approach this area of human experience when they become adults. And I believe that much of the material on television and in the movies gives incorrect information and unhealthy perspectives. Scenes that depict manipulative, exploitative and sexual perversions give children unhealthy impressions.
Parents can help children learn about sexuality in a healthy manner if they will:
• Start discussing and exploring issues of sexuality at an early age. Young children frequently ask, “Where did I come from?” This information should be given in terms they can understand, which is not as difficult as it may seem. Children are accepting and curious, free from guilt and previous experiences that cause negative feelings. Avoiding discussions may lead a child to think these subjects are dirty or sinful and not a proper part of the human life cycle.
• Don’t create fantasies or fairy tales to explain human reproduction. A healthy attitude may still contain elements of mystery and miracle, but scientific facts should be included.
• For discussions on the causes and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases seek experts willing to make presentations to community groups. PTA, school, or church forums and other discussion groups can help select material for public and school libraries.
• Make yourself genuinely open to your children. Letting them know you are always available to talk about feelings regarding their sexual development and any problems or questions they may encounter will encourage them to seek you out rather than rely on their peers as their only source of information. Remaining secretive and clandestine on sexual matters only encourages children to go “underground” for information, which is often erroneous.
• It is not uncommon for families to use nicknames for certain parts of the human anatomy. But children should be taught the proper anatomical names for these sexual parts of the human body. When parents use the correct anatomical word in a matter-of-fact way, it encourages children to feel that human sexuality is a part of the human life cycle. It makes them realize it is not a topic to be shunned or tucked away in some dark, mysterious place only to emerge at some later point in life.
• Teach children that sexual relationships should be viewed in the broader context of human relationships. Genuine caring and concern for the needs and desires of the other person, not simply self-gratification and passion without love and commitment should be every human beings goal.
Harold H LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright © 1992
Hi.
I’m an experienced Clinical Practitioner, Administrator, Professional Writer, and Lecturer.
