The Naked Truth | When to talk to kids about sex and benefits of regular open discussion
- It is healthier to have many little conversations from a young age, rather than one big sex talk at a certain age, says a Hong Kong clinical psychologist
- Children as young as two can be curious about their body parts, so that is when parents can start using proper terminology like penis and vagina
Teaching your child about sex is not just explaining the nitty-gritty details. It is also about respect, openness and tailored support to reassure them that you believe in them and care about what they are going through.
A friend of mine had a rather ingenious response when she accidentally caught her young daughter masturbating. Instead of getting upset, she told her it was all right to be curious about her own body and took the opportunity to teach her about setting boundaries. She taught her to take care of her “private property” and not let other people come near it.
She did the right thing by not attacking her daughter’s actions and treated her sexual curiosity as part of growing up. In the long run, this will also embed the idea that sex is not a taboo subject and should be discussed freely.
Parents who are open about addressing sexuality with their children often foster healthier feelings and relationships with not only their offspring, but also other family members.
Family education is undoubtedly important and family sexuality education is equally vital. Parents need to take responsibility for educating their children about sex, and how they approach the subject can have a significant impact on their future outlook on relationships – and even life. Unfortunately, many parents find it awkward to discuss sex with their youngsters or are unsure about when is the best time or age to tackle the subject.