In class yesterday, our conversation took a temporary shift to talking about where kids get their information about sex and discussion or the lack of discussion about sex between children and parents. This was really interesting to me because it exposed a lot of holes in the system and showed how the majority of parents aren’t open to the discussion or they are in a particular way.
We’ve all been through the infamous sexual education classes in school. However it seems like sometimes the classes are really just teasers. No real questions are answered. No real issues are talked about. Kids just have another opportunity to witness adults being uncomfortable talking about sex. Especially nowadays, kids are very curious about sex because it is so prevalent in society. It is brought up all the time and when adults remain tight lipped about it, kids are further intrigued. It seems to me that most parents would be appalled to know that their children might be looking using pornography to get some of their questions answered. So why aren’t more parents open about answering questions and promoting “sex talk”? Well, it’s awkward. It can be awkward for the parents and the kids so it is most of the time easier to just avoid it. But when things like pornography are so easily available, parents need to be even more open.
The questions I have been thinking about have to do with sexual education and the possible differences between parents talking to their son or daughter. Every family is different but I think it is safe to assume that there are many talks only a mom will have with the daughter and only a father will have with the son. When it comes to sex and developing bodies, is it important for both parents to offer their perspective? Does having an all girl or all boy conversation simply promote the view that communication between two genders about sex is taboo? Why should the overall information be presented in different ways?
This is an interesting topic, I'm glad you brought it back up. I think it is important for both parents to offer their perspective on sex and developing bodies, especially if the child wants and needs the knowledge of both bodies. Although I can imagine this conversation potentially being awkward, I think it prevents any taboos about the subject. I do think that the information on the subject can often be confusing for developing children and having all the information might be in their best interest.
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