A vital aspect of being human is having sex. It entails more than just having sexual relations with someone. It influences the key decisions that men and women make as well as how we feel about ourselves as individuals.
Your thoughts about sex may appear simple and unambiguous. But having that talk might feel daunting when it comes to setting the foundation for your children to understand sex in a healthy way. You’re going to start getting questions from your child when they’re in middle school, if not before. They’re probably asking their classmates about it too. Additionally, since they will be gathering information, it is preferable that it originates from you and is correct.
Why Should I Discuss Sex with My Children?
Why shouldn’t you be the question? It’s crucial to have sex conversations with your kids in order to teach them appropriate sexual behavior and positive views toward sex. You will be able to provide your child accurate knowledge if you have an open discussion about sex. It’s possible that the information they pick up elsewhere is false and does not align with the moral and ethical standards you want your kids to uphold. It is imperative that your preteen or adolescent knows about the potential repercussions of engaging in sexual activity, such as pregnancy, STDs, and the emotional baggage associated with participating in a sexual relationship
Wouldn’t talking to my kids about sex just encourage them to engage in it?
It’s critical that kids comprehend relationships and sexual feelings before they engage in sexual activity. According to studies, teenagers who have talked to their parents about having sex are more likely to wait longer to start dating and to use contraception when they do.
What Should I Say?
Concentrate on the sexual facts. Take a look at the topics listed below as a guide:
- An explanation of male and female anatomy and reproduction
- Pregnancy and sexual activity
- Additional sexual behaviors, such as petting, masturbating, and oral sex
- Birth control and fertility
- How your appearance, especially your body language, conveys to others that you are interested in engaging in sexual activity
- Rape and date rape include taking rides from strangers or acquaintances, going to private places when intoxicated, traveling alone, or going on multiple dates with friends when one is in a high-risk circumstance.
- Sexual orientation encompasses the following: heterosexual, gay, and bisexual
- The emotional and physical components of sex, as well as the distinctions between men and women
- Peer pressure and self-perception
- Illnesses spread by sex
To what extent should I be open during our conversation?
Some parents find it awkward to discuss sex with their children. Before you sit down with your child, it could be helpful to rehearse your speech. Make sure you listen to and pay attention to what your youngster asks and says. Having both parents present could be beneficial in providing support.
It can be embarrassing for some young people to discuss sex or to acknowledge their ignorance. Therefore, they might not pose straightforward queries. Seek occasions to discuss sexuality-related matters with your kids. Opportunities could arise from a situation in a book or article, a movie or television show, or from your child’s physical changes, such increased breast size or facial hair.
Teenage Sexual Rights
The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) produced the following teen sexual rights, which you should discuss with your adolescent. Teach your youngster that these are his or her rights and that no one else may take them away:
- The freedom to choose your sexual orientation at your own pace
- The right to truthful information regarding HIV/AIDS and sexuality
- The freedom to express your sexuality without fear of becoming pregnant or contracting any STDs, including HIV/AIDS
- The freedom to say “no” to any form of unwelcome touch and the ability to end physical or sexual relations with a partner at any time
- The freedom from coercion to engage in physical or sexual activity
- The freedom to choose whether or not to disclose your sexual orientation