Throughout this parenting experience I have always tried to be careful but reasonable when my child is exposed to the topic of sex. I find that at times I'm a little surprised that its all happening so fast. They first start taking some sort of human development class in elementary. Before you know it they're talking amongst themselves about sex and where babies come from. I try to handle topics as they arise and also as honestly as possible.
Perhaps not the best approach as my first question was "Mom, what's a vibrator?" I hadn't realized she was also listening to the radio as we drove home. That day I could have killed my local disc jockey. The word had come up as a caller described her most embarrassing moment. Uhhh... I was so embarrassed. I quickly said "a toy" thinking that would be the end of it. Boy, was I sooo wrong. She pressed on and asked more questions. "Eight is a wonderful age" I thought. As I answered her questions I fell deeper and deeper into what seemed to be more trouble. In retrospect it's a HILARIOUS story. She kept looking at me saying "Tell me the truth Mom." Her little puppy eyes put me in a stupid HONEST trance. I didn't want her to hear some garbage from her friends but who was I kidding. Did they even talk about such things in elementary?
The conversation ended with her saying "Ewww, girls are nasty!" I think about it today and still can't help but laugh out loud and blush. What can you expect I was only 24. A baby myself to the parenting game I had never encountered a situation or had been taught what to do in such a scenario. Thank goodness I'm living and learning but even more thanks are owed to her schools.
I'm thankful that now a days sex and it's topics are addressed as part of the curriculum. I was glad when she told me that her school counselors periodically sat them down and asked them questions? Teens were not only able to receive information about sexually transmitted diseases but also had the opportunity to speak on other issues like abuse and violence.
Not every child has a parent that will speak freely to them about sex and those who do might not know the right things to say.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Interesting perspective! Do you think that other parents are as open as you when dealing with these tough topics?
ReplyDeleteI believe that most parents would rather not touch on the subject in fear that what they say might be misunderstood but I do believe that regardless of what parents say it creates an openess or vulnerablitity their children can relate too.
ReplyDelete