Community Forum top_calendar.gif top_members.gif top_faq.gif top_search.gif top_home.gif    

Go Back   Community Forum > The Internet Medical Journal > Articles
User Name
Password
FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1  
Old September 24th, 2001, 20:20
sysadmin sysadmin is offline
Administrator
 
Join Date: 2001
Posts: 1,085
Talking To Children About Sex

by Deb Elliot-Pearson, M.D.
The most important thing about talking to children about anything is to relate to them on the level where they understand. Discussing this important topic is no exception.

It does no good to discuss things in correct anatomical terms if the small person you are talking with has only understood the lay terms used with them in the past. Some well-known child educators advocate using proper anatomical nomenclature from the first. If you have done this, it makes the conversion simple, but it is somewhat disconcerting to other people in the medical and psychosocial fields to hear a 2-year-old child talking about her "vagina".

This is a topic which should be introduced gradually. When children ask questions about things they see, it is a good time to begin with acknowledging differences between men and women, talking about how mommies and daddies make babies together. You don't need to go into lots of detail, just give them the information they need at that moment.

By the time a child reaches grade school, the common knowledge of their peers will likely lead to many more questions. I'm sure all of us can remember that one classmate who knew much more than we did, and made sure we knew what neophytes we were. If you keep the door open for questions, your children will bring that information home to you and you can then correct the misconceptions and allow them to explore the topic again. At this age, there are simple pictures and examples that will help clarify what you are saying.

Once grade school ends, there is a real need for correct information about topics such as whether kissing can cause pregnancy, and whether you are still a virgin if you date. We can provide this information for our children, or we can allow them to get their information from other preteens. If you want them to be safe in their relationships and are not planning to be a grandparent at an early age, you are best advised to be very concrete and exact with them. It is important for any child to know what you expect from them, and what the consequences of other actions might be. Often this is easier than you think. Ask your child what he/she knows. Don't laugh. If you seriously give your attention and tell them that having intercourse causes pregnancy, that unprotected sex is dangerous, and that you are listening when they have concerns, you will keep the door open for dialogue. Even in the years between 13 and 18, when parents suddenly lose half their IQ points in a teenagers mind, this information will be there and help them to make better decisions, avoiding costly mistakes.

Elliott-Pearson D. Talking with your child about sex. [Online] Available http://www.medjournal.com/ August 2, 1999.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old March 15th, 2006, 06:55
imike imike is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: 2006
Posts: 2
Re: Talking To Children About Sex

It's interesting that most parents don't like to talk about sex with children. They always gave reason such as too young or not mature enough to tell them about it. However this might not be a good options as children will be more curious and look for other alternative to find out about sex... which may lead them to the wrong path...
__________________
Musics Links
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old August 18th, 2008, 01:33
maniot maniot is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: 2008
Posts: 3
Re: Talking To Children About Sex

Talking about sex with children is no bad.But we should be careful.
......................................................................
Idaho Drug Treatment
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Sex Happens Sooner for Teens Who Watch More TV Sex sysadmin News 0 September 9th, 2004 19:53
Watching Sex on Television Predicts Adolescent Initiation of Sexual Behavior sysadmin News 0 September 9th, 2004 19:49
New Zealand: Guidelines for the Sex Industry sysadmin News 0 July 29th, 2004 07:19
July 2002 sysadmin News 0 August 12th, 2002 19:44
A Policy Analysis of the Childhood Immunization Initiative in Philadelphia sysadmin Articles 0 January 3rd, 2002 00:00


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:59.


Powered by: vBulletin Version 3.0.3
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.



Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.  
- Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)

We are committed to your good health. That means that while we provide editorial medical information, we must insist that you work with your own doctor in regards to your personal health issues. All content on Medjournal.Com is strictly editorial. It constitutes medical opinion, NOT ADVICE. We do not endorse or recommend the content of Medjournal.com or the sites that are linked FROM or TO Medjournal.com. Use common sense by consulting with your doctor before making any lifestyle changes or other medical decisions based on the content of these web pages. Medjournal.Com and the Internet Medical Journal shall not be held liable for any errors in content, advertising, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.