How to Teach Sex Education to Children : Tips for Parents
Sex education should be introduced from an early age to children. However, this awareness is clashing with the confusion of how to apply proper sex education. Moreover, the prevailing norms and practices still regard sex education as something taboo. Psychologist Vera Itabiliana Hadiwijojo argues that :
Sex education is not just something that is difficult. The first thing parents have to do is change the mindset.
By considering sex education is not something taboo, parents are expected to be more comfortable conveying everything related to it. Furthermore, parents can be more creative to convey things related to sex, with simple words and easy to understand. There are several important points that should be considered by parents in providing education about sexuality. The following 4 points are :
1. Must be taught by the closest person
In this case, the parents become the main persons. Boys are taught by fathers, while girls get information from mothers. In the process, parents must be communicative, humble, and willing to listen. Parents with these three criteria will make the child comfortable to ask questions and listen to suggestions or answers given.
2. Adjusted to the child's cognitive ability
Each child has different capabilities. However, regardless of the child's capability , make sure he/she gets the maximum information. Sex education for kindergarten age is different from elementary and junior high.For kindergarten age, make sure the child knows the sex difference between him and another friend. Furthermore, children should also know the differences in sex organs that are owned, between men and women.
3. Continuous monitoring
Parents should know when their child has a wet dream or first menstrual period. At that time make sure the parent is on the child's side and ready to face various questions asked. When children experience menstruation or wet dreams, parents should be good friends. By being a friend, it is easier to remind parents of genital function and not to use it at random.
4. As plain as possible
Sex should be explained as closely as possible to the child. With the correct and complete explanation, the child will not imagine or have his own point of view. An incomplete explanation will precipitate the child's curiosity. To begin an explanation, parents can provoke children's curiosity. Further explanations can start from the point that the child understands.
Regards,
Mrs. Don
