Sex Education And Our Children

As teens way back then, I remember when  our moms used to tell us that “we should not be close to boys”. That if we do, “we would become pregnant!” I remember how it became a big concern for moms when their daughters start their ‘period’. I remember how they tell us how  to ‘act’ with the boys.

This was many years ago, yet we (now moms) are still doing the same thing with bigger challenges!  Nowadays, because of the kind of exposure our kids have, they are more adventurous!  They go all the way just to experience what they have seen without knowing the huge consequences. While others are not so lucky as they are victims to the evils of today’s society. Most times, these girls get pregnant from first experience- be it rape or incest.

Are we doing enough as moms (parents)?  

Are we listening and watching enough?

 Is there something we are not getting or doing right?

Now moms, how many of us have brought up and discussed issues regarding sex and teen pregnancy to our 10 year olds?

You may ask me “10 year-olds? They are still young!”

I want to ask you, have you really looked at 10 year-olds of today?

Have you seen how matured they look and act (already having breasts!)?

With the constant exposure to media, do you know what they know?

If you can answer these questions, would you say they are very young to be educated about sex and teen pregnancy?

Well, I don’t think so as this depends on where you start the conversation and what you tell them. Here is my approach, you initiate the conversation and then allow them to speak, You LISTEN attentively!  You do not interrupt them; you ask questions and allow them to explain.

You must be ready to absorb any shock or revelation in other to make them open up. If not, they may withdraw into their shells and keep all they know inside. That is not what we want to achieve or is it?

After all said and done by them, you begin to educate; correcting wrong answers, impressions. Encourage them to ask questions depending on age, give appropriate answers. Use, the right terms for the reproductive parts. Do not use ‘baby language’. Call as appropriate and keep a normal expression.

Encourage them to seek opinions, answers and advice on any aspect of sex and teen pregnancy especially after a conversation with their age-mates and friends. This is so important as most wrong information and impression start within their age group.

Also, start preparing your girl for her first menstrual experience. Buy books that discuss such issues, give moral and spiritual advice too. Talk to her and demonstrate accordingly.Tell the boys just as the girls, why it’s important to wait before dating.

Mind you, the discussion is continuous and can start just about anytime they are curious or have heard or seen anything that got them thinking!  Try to LISTEN and be there for them; don’t shove them away because you are busy. You may not get another opportunity to correct any wrong impression! No matter what you are doing, when it comes to this type of issue, give a listening ear and give appropriate answers.

Let’s not shy away from this because the consequence maybe too heavy for us to bear if there is any mistake. Let’s start the conversation. Let’s start educating our children. As you know, “knowledge is power”.

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"For this is the will of God, your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication. That everyone of you should know hoe to posses his vessel in sanctification and honour"- 1 Thess.4:3-4

"I think sex education should include enhancing a girl's sexual self-image and self-esteem and give her the tools to say 'no' and ultimately 'yes' when the time is right"- Anita H. Clayton


                                   Linda Aliogo