There's No Place Like Home for Sex Education: 2nd Grade

Even in Elementary School, Kids Are Learning All About Sex …

from their friends … from the media … from … ??? Surely, they deserve to learn from mom and dad.

It should be no surprise to parents that young children gather lots of sexual (mis)information on a daily basis. Why, remember just last weekend when you stumbled upon Nick, your little 2nd grader and his buddy, Craig? They were having quite a chat … intense and lengthy whispers punctuated by fits of giggling. All of that came to an abrupt halt the moment they spotted you! Chances are good their conversation had something to do with sex.

And what about the movie you took the family to see the other day? You were careful to select an appropriate show for the children. What you hadn't counted on were the steamy coming attractions for next week's feature. You were more than a bit uncomfortable—and somewhat unnerved by Nick's obvious interest in the whole thing.

Let's face it. Your children are hearing about sexual topics whether you tell them or not. There are advantages to having you tell them.

You are the expert when it comes to passing along your family values related to sexuality. You may need a little encouragement—some assistance in overcoming your discomfort. Perhaps you'd like a few tips on how to begin—or how much to say. That's all fine tuning. But the heart of the message—your values and attitudes surrounding sexuality—is within you.

When parents are actively involved in their child's sexuality education, they can ensure that accuracy prevails. We know that children are exposed to massive doses of misinformation and exploitive, irresponsible messages about sex—from their friends … from the media … So it makes good sense for parents to blaze a trail of honest, informative communication. Be available to dispel the myths, and set the record straight. (Of course, be sure you have the facts straight yourself!)

Ultimately, we wish for our children a sense of appreciation and high regard for their sexuality. We want them to enjoy and celebrate that very special part of their being. We want them to have self-respect—good feelings about themselves … every part of themselves, including their sexuality. What better way to promote that vision than by providing loving, thoughtful sex education at home.

Today's parents are raising children in a world that differs markedly from that of their youth. Intense peer and media pressures encourage sexual activity at younger ages. The threats of sexual abuse, HIV, etc. demand that we speak to our children—in graphic detail—early on.

Amidst all of this, the challenge is to avoid scare tactics and deliver messages which present sexuality in a positive light. The following are but a few of the resources which can assist parents in framing those messages:

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