Sex is a natural and normal part of life. However, for many parents, the topic remains delicate. Let’s consider how to talk about it properly with children.
Why It’s Important to Talk About Sex
Sex education is often surrounded by secrecy. Adults debate when and how to discuss this topic properly, or they avoid the subject altogether. As a result, children receive information from older friends, classmates, or the internet, which forms incorrect ideas about sex.
When to Start the Conversation
Every parent wonders: how and when should sexual topics be discussed with a child? Psychologist and sexologist Natalia Kasarina can help answer this question. The main thing is to provide the child with the information necessary for growing up and not leave their questions unanswered.
If a child catches you off guard, you can honestly say that you need to prepare and then definitely return to the conversation. Keeping your promise is extremely important—otherwise, the child will get answers from unreliable sources.
First Steps in Sex Education
From the first days of life, a child explores their body: they focus their gaze, make sounds, and control their hands. Interest in genitalia at the age of 5–7 is of a cognitive nature rather than a sexual one.
At three years old, basic information about the structure of the body is sufficient. At this stage, it is important to name the organs by their proper names. If you are concerned that the child will share this information with other children, discuss the rules: who they can talk to and who they cannot.
Explain the "underwear rule": everything that is hidden under it is private. Only the child or a doctor can touch those areas. This helps protect the child from sexual abuse.
Developing Knowledge with Age
By the age of seven, you can provide more detailed information, and by ten, you can explain more complex aspects. Modern parents are setting trends: if most families approach sex education consciously, children will receive accurate knowledge, and the shame of ignorance will disappear.
Parents' Concerns
Some fear that early education will cause children to develop a premature interest in sex. However, studies show the opposite: the earlier a child receives information from their parents, the later they have their first sexual experience.
It is important to remember: teenagers will engage in sex when they are ready. The correctness, safety, and responsibility of these actions largely depend on the parents.
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