We all remember that day in school when you and your fellow classmates walked down the hall towards the cafeteria, library, or gym, with both excitement and apprehension. Today was SEX ED day. If your school was anything like mine, I can remember it consisting of ONE day where they grouped us by our gender and we were taught about our sexual anatomy. They showed us pictures of our organs and provided a brief description of each. I remember being more embarrassed than enlightened at this stage. Fast forward to high school and Health Class. I believe our teacher provided two days on our sexual health. One day for females, one for males. By then I was much more adventurous and not afraid to speak my mind. When my teacher began the discussion about the female sexual anatomy, she left off the clitoris! I immediately stopped her and asked why she had done this. She became red faced and stated she did not feel it was a “necessary” organ for discussion because it had “noting” to do with our reproductive system. AKA, a woman doesn’t need to orgasm in order to become pregnant. As the only senior in a class full of freshmen, I felt it was my duty to explain what the clitoris was, where it was located and the fun it can provide. Since my school prided itself on promoting abstinence instead of safe sex, we also focused only on sexually transmitted diseases and not on how to protect oneself from such diseases, because it was assumed you were abstaining instead of participating. Don’t get me started on the lack of information regarding inappropriate sexual behaviors such as pressuring, assault and rape.
I’m hopeful that schools have become more informed on how to provide sexual education and teachers are not afraid of providing the facts, statistics and precautions of sex. But because we cannot depend on schools to provide this information to our children, we as parents and guardians must also teach our children. Don’t be afraid of this topic with your children. They are exposed to sex through the media, their friends, music, movies, TV shows and the news. It is important to teach your children your understanding and ethical views on sex and encourage open conversations at an early age. If your child brings up a topic, take the time to explore this with them in an age appropriate way. Also teach them that this topic is a natural for them to want to understand and explore, while informing them of the appropriate times to discuss this subject and with whom. For example, they may want to inform their classmates of the conversation you had with them, but make sure they understand that every family differs on their values in regards to sex, and it is a personal obligation for their parents to teach them about sex.
**** The above blog is the opinion of Tali Boots and should not considered fact. All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. I make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. In conclusion, this blog is meant to encourage dialogue, thought and exploration on various topics.
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