By Pamela Godoy
Do you remember about the first time someone talked to you about sex? Was it a parent, a friend, or a school teacher? Was it through a magazine, the TV, or the internet? Was it at home or at school? Either if you’re a parent, an educator, or if you’re in a close relationship with kids (catechist, aunt, etc.), it is extremely important for us to talk to our kids and youngsters about sex. Nowadays, they are bombarded with licentious images, words, and prompted to behave inadequately through the media. They receive plenty of information that enhances pleasure and individualism rather than giving oneself to love the other in the context of marriage. So, here are some guidelines to follow when educating our kids and youngsters about their sexuality.
First of all, speak with the truth. For instance, refer to their intimate parts with their appropriate names since they’re babies. The truth also includes talking about the negative consequences of starting the sexual activity at a young age, as well as the damages that contraception causes to the women’s bodies (and men’s bodies in the case of vasectomy). Even when the truth might be uncomfortable, kids and youngsters deserve to know the truth to make their decisions after being correctly informed.
Second, sexual education should be gradual. That means that as a parent or educator, one should consider the age, experience, cognitive development, and emotional maturity of the kid or youngster that one is talking to. Knowledge has its appropriate time and way of being presented.
Third, in order to be able to educate others, one must be well-prepared. This requires that educators get an integral formation on biological, psychological, emotional, intellectual, moral, and spiritual aspects. Besides that, educators should make sure that their sources are trustworthy.
Fourth, plan for this important talk (or talks). This means that educators should have in mind what their objective will be, the key points, their sources, time and place, materials, and any other details to have a friendly approach with those kids or youngsters when talking about sexual education.
All in all, parents should be the first to approach their kids and talk about sexual topics. Educators should support parents in this task. Yet, these talks have to be in a context where truth prevails and where the topics are appropriate to the age and maturity of the listener. Besides that, the person who is leading this conversation should be well-informed and plan ahead. Don’t be afraid. Instead of having any series or classmates that might be of bad influence misinform your kids or youngsters, it’s better that you as a parent or educator arrive earlier with appropriate information, in an appropriate context, and with a loving approach!
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