T he facts of life

1. The facts of life

2. Reasons for Teaching Sexuality • Obtain correct facts of anatomy and physiology. If this information is incorrect, serious mistakes can be made. • Improve self-esteem. If you know about your body and that you are just like everyone else, many worries are taken from you. • Clarify values and morals. The topic of sexuality is closely tied to values and morals. Values and morals will not be taught in school and should be taught by parents. Otherwise, morals will be taught by peers and the media. • Improve communication. If children can talk to their parents about sexual matters, the relationship rarely goes awry. • Recognize destructive elements in relationships. If children are unaware of the components of sexuality, they could be abused by someone without realizing what was occurring. Children should understand that sex is a part of marriage that results from love, not as a bargaining tool.

3. Reasons for Teaching Sexuality • Understand marriage fertility. As children grow up, they need to be aware that there may be problems with body functions. Or if they become aware of a difference in their body, they should seek advice from a knowing adult. • Avoid STDs. STDs are spreading rapidly. Children need to be made aware of the danger of STDs and how they are spread. • Avoid rape. Children need to know the definition of rape and how it occurs. They should be told how to deal with such a situation if it should ever occur. • Acceptance of sexuality. Sexuality can be frightening for the uninformed child. Explaining sexuality and bodily functions to children while they are young will help them to adapt to the changes that will occur later in their lives.

4. Guidelines for Teaching Children About Sexuality • Begin teaching when children start asking questions. • Always tell the truth! • Use correct terminology! • If a child has not asked a few questions by the time they are about 6 years old, look for opportunities to talk to them about the facts of life. • Easier to teach young than old • Parents think of sexuality as having sex, so they never teach their children because they are uncomfortable • Topic must be taught according to the age of the child.

5. Guidelines for Teaching Children About Sexuality • Answer only the questions the child asks and in terms he/she can understand. • Depth of information depends on the age of the child • Consider your personal moral beliefs concerning these matters. • Always leave the door open for more discussion later. • Do you have any more questions? • If you ever have more questions you can always talk to your mom or dad. • Explain your moral standpoint as part of every discussion • What do you think would happen if the baby did not have a mother and father?

6. Guidelines for Teaching Children About Sexuality • Remember that children are naturally curious about physical differences. • Answer questions in a calm, matter-of-fact way • Explain about modesty and manners…boys don’t dress in front of girls, etc. • Don’t jump to conclusions • Ask questions of the child to see where he is coming from • If you answer questions for the child of another person, always tell the child’s parent about the conversation. • Always focus on the positive aspects of being either female or male.