Sex Ed in the Early Ages

What You Need to Know

Admit it or not, your fourth grader is approaching puberty. And along with body changes come myriad questions about sexual topics of all sorts. If you haven’t already, you need to begin talking with your child about sex. Chances are, other kids already have. You need to weigh in.

Try to be open about sex and not get embarrassed or closed off if the topic comes up. If you’re open about discussing sex, it will be easier for your child to ask you questions. And it forges a bond between you both that allows for

• the sharing of family values;
• promotion of a positive, respectful attitude toward sex;
• alleviation of fears and anxieties; and
• the building of trust.

Changes both physical and emotional take place well before puberty. Knowing the timeline of development for boys and girls can help you and your child understand where he or she fits in the process and what to expect.

How You Can Help

• Use TV, movies, articles, and other media to begin a discussion about sexuality. Let your child know how you feel about sexual messages delivered by the media. Ask about his or her impressions.
• Take advantage of publications available for preadolescents. Leave them on the coffee table, in the family room, or somewhere your child is likely to find them.
• Let your child in on how it was for you growing up. Share feelings, concerns, and experiences you remember about sexuality at that time.
• Don’t make it a big deal. Pulling your child aside for a serious talk may make him or her feel overly scrutinized or shy. Just try to work sexual issues into everyday talk. The topic is bound to come up anyway; take advantage of that.

For more information about talking to your fourth grader about sex, please see the full article:

http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Theres_No_Place_4th/.