Sex education 101: Tips for talking to your kids about the subject

Research indicates that kids and teens who have regular discussions with their parents and caregivers about sex and relationships are less likely to take risks with their sexual health and more likely to be healthy and safe.

With minimum to no sex education given in schools and other institutions, it becomes vital for parents to take charge and have healthy conversations about sex and sexuality with their children. (Source: Freepik)

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Till date, sex is a taboo subject in our society. With minimum to no sex education given in schools and other institutions, it becomes vital for parents to take charge and have healthy conversations about sex and sexuality with their children. Afterall, research indicates that kids and teens who have regular discussions with their parents and caregivers about sex and relationships are less likely to take risks with their sexual health and more likely to be healthy and safe.

While its vital to have these conversations, it is also essential to keep it age appropriate. This might seem like a difficult task, but it’s all about the details you include. So, if you’re wondering how to teach your child about sex, we have got you covered.

Recently, Shivani A Kudva, a parenting coach took to Instagram to share a simple guide of age-wise and appropriate content that you can use. “Let’s normalise SexEd and awareness amongst our children to protect them from bad exposures of technology,” she captioned the post.

Have a look.

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A post shared by Shivani A Kudva | Parent Coach (@diapers_to_wings)

Topics to discuss

2-4 years old

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*Good touch vs bad touch
*When and how to say NO
*What personal space is
*Begin with understanding private body parts
*Teach bikini rule
*Shout a no when you feel unsafe

5-8 years old

*Let their questions lead the conversation
*Appropriate vs inappropriate content
*Begin with teaching human anatomy
*Crushes, physical relationships and feelings
*Normalise attraction to opposite sex
*Teach about periods and sanitary hygiene

9-11 years old

*Puberty
*Basics of sex and reproduction
*Your beliefs about sex and sexual health
*Explain childbirth in detail

Teens

*Consequences of sex
*Safety and consent
*Answer their questions
*Is all about building trust
*Listen to them

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ALSO READ | When and how should you talk to kids about sex and consent? An expert answers

Important pointers

Let’s normalise SexEd and awareness amongst our children to protect them from bad exposures of technology. (Source: Freepik)

*Build a foundation of trust
*Add layers upon layers of knowledge–not too fast not too slow
*Let them feel and see what you teach is true to trust you better
*Hear them intently with their curiosities

According to Shravani Bongu, Psychologist and PhD Scholar, children are extremely curious by nature, and if parents do not give them the answers, they will find other, perhaps more unreliable sources, to clear their questions.

“Always have an open line of communication with your child and explicitly state that they can come to you regarding any queries they have. Never shame a child or get angry when they ask you something. If any question or topic is asked suddenly or takes you aback, you can always tell them that you will get back to them. Take the time you need to process the question and frame the answer in an age-appropriate way. Be direct and clear in your answers. If you are unsure, let them know that you will get back to them with more information,” she advised.

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Apart from the topics mentioned above, Bongu mentioned that it is also critical to address internet safety and media literacy in the digital age. Teach youngsters about appropriate internet use, the dangers of revealing personal information online, and how to critically analyse online sex and relationship content.

“Frame your answers based on the child’s age, level of comprehension, and nature of question they ask. Let them know that there are no wrong questions, and they can always come to you no matter what. If you want to initiate the conversation yourself, make sure the environment is comfortable and create a safe space between you and your child,” the psychologist concluded.