#sexualeducationforkids

5 Sex Ed Topics Parents Should Be Sure to Cover

July 2, 2014 by Dr. Tracy Bennett

stage for discussing sex ed topics

Part 4 of a 4-Part Series: “Sex Ed Tips For Awesome Parenting in the Digital Age”

Surveys demonstrate that kids are viewing Internet sites without parent supervision at younger and younger ages. Prepare your children to manage unexpected situations with confidence and competence. Start with responsible sex education.

5 Sex Ed Topics You Should Be Sure to Cover (plus a bonus that is guaranteed to make uncomfortable).

Tell your kids exactly how their bodies will change as they mature.
Eek! I know this is difficult, but that means covering topics like erections, wet dreams, puberty, and menstruation. Ask your friends if they were prepared for puberty and you’ll see why it’s important to prepare your kids for what is going to happen with their bodies BEFORE their first pubic hair, which means before nine years old for some kids. Change freaks us all out. By telling your kids exactly what to expect you’ll save them from being confused and afraid. And even better than that, you’ll demonstrate that you can be trusted to talk about personal and embarrassing stuff. This optimizes the chance that they’ll come to you when they need your help. Tip: if you bring it up in little bits casually, but with discretion, it won’t be as uncomfortable.

Discuss what sexual desire is and how to best manage it.
By letting your kids know that sexual feelings are normal, you reduce the chance that they’ll feel shame or impulsively act out. Even young children are titillated by romance and sex. Tip: if you discuss it openly then you can more fairly hold them accountable for their choices and behavior.

Teach them how babies are made and about sexually transmitted diseases and birth control.
Center for Disease Control statistics reveal that 47% of high schoolers have had sexual intercourse. And I suspect their parents were the last to know. No matter what you think about premarital sex, your kids must have information in order to make informed and assertive choices. That means you must provide education about what sex is, how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, and what you think about teens having sex. Saying “just don’t” is not enough. If you’ve trained your children to be blindly obedient to you, they may be blindly obedient to an exploitive peer or an Internet predator. Tip: teaching sex ed is also teaching family values.

Inform them that other kids and adults may try to take advantage of them sexually, and teach them how to assert themselves as soon as they feel the “ick factor.”
It’s not acceptable to scare your kids with stranger danger stories. However, it is critical that you teach them caution. Surveys estimate that up to 30% of 16 years old have received a sexting request. Based on my mothering and clinical experience, I believe these numbers are actually higher. Screen media has opened an informational portal to your children that is barely regulated. Even with the best filtering and monitoring strategies in place, your kids will eventually be approached by someone looking to take advantage of them. Tip: rather than discover that your child has participated in a sexual online activity AND THEN reacting, be preventative by teaching assertiveness skills. That means boys and girls must be taught to attend to their feelings and respond with confidence.

Teach how intimacy differs from sex.
If you’ve been lucky enough to experience loving intimacy, then you know how important it is that your children wait to have sex until they’re mature enough for true intimacy. If you don’t cover this topic, you run the risk that they’ll covertly watch online pornography and conclude “ah-ha. That’s sex!” Tip: loving oneself and knowing how to build friendship must come before sexual experimentation with another person. Which brings me to the bonus!

Bonus: Talk about masturbation as a healthy but private activity.
I know this is controversial, but hang in and consider my reasoning here before you decide what you will do with your kids. By the principles of behavioral conditioning, children will become attached to whatever or whomever brings them pleasure. I once had a client tell me he had his first climax climbing a tree when he was eight years old. He said he was convinced that it was the tree that caused the magic for months before he figured out the real deal. Doesn’t it make sense that your kids should learn that they can achieve sexual pleasure on their own without anybody else’s help? It is really tragic when teens seek a relationship thinking a partner is a required component for pleasure. And we all know what happens to our judgment once we are having sex with somebody. If your teens know their bodies and feel self-empowered, then when they’re ready experiment with interpersonal intimacy, they can focus on mutual affection and friendship rather than sexual pleasure. Personal empowerment will help keep them safe and avoid unhealthy dependence on another. I know it’s tough to think about your kids as sexual, but face it, they are and need information and guidance from informed parents they trust.

We reach the end our our 4-part series! I know this is a difficult topic. Good for you for hanging in there! If you disagree with some of the tips, certainly do what you think is best for your family. I hope it sparked a thoughtful exploration of how you feel about sexual education and gave you some specific tips along the way. As always, it is best for children to go to parents for guidance, but sometimes they need an invitation.

And if this was valuable information, please share www.GetKidsInternetSafe.com with other parents and comment away on our Facebook page to become part of our supportive community.

I’m the mom psychologist who will help you GetYourKidsInternetSafe.

Onward to More Awesome Parenting,

Tracy S. Bennett, Ph.D
Mom, Clinical Psychologist, CSUCI Adjunct Faculty
GetKidsInternetSafe.com

If you can’t relate yet, you will!

Another great resource for sexual education for parents is http://www.siecus.org

6 Parenting Tips for Making Sex Ed Easier!

June 25, 2014 by Dr. Tracy Bennett

Part 3 of a 4-Part Series: “Sex Ed Tips For Awesome Parenting in the Digital Age”

We all need support to be awesome parents. Teaching sex ed can be a challenge, particularly when your kids are all different ages.

6 Parenting Tips for Making Sex Ed Easier!

BE AT PEACE WITH THE FACT THAT IT IS HEALTHY FOR EVEN YOUNG CHILDREN TO BE CURIOUS ABOUT SEXUALITY.
As early as toddlerhood, it is normal for children to masturbate, be curious about the bodies of others (want to “play doctor”), and ask about where babies come from. I’ve worked in preschools, and believe me there’s a lot of jiggling at naptime. Calm, simple instruction without shaming is the best way to parent.
IT IS NORMAL FOR SOME KIDS TO BE MODEST ABOUT NUDITY AND OTHERS TO LET IT ALL HANG OUT.
Simply teach them about privacy and discretion.
BE PREPARED TO LISTEN AS WELL AS TEACH.
That means avoid interrupting, lecturing, shaming, and criticizing.
IF YOU’RE NERVOUS, ADMIT IT AND HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR WITHOUT BEING SILLY OR SHAMING.
Be particularly careful not to tease or even snicker at your children’s participation in the discussion. Any question is a good one, even if they use a word you may find shocking. Be prepared to discuss your opinion about specific terminology.
ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO HAVE AN OPINION AND TEACH THEM DECISION-MAKING, PEER NEGOTIATION, AND REFUSAL SKILLS.
Role-play challenging situations that may come up and engage in fun debate.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY, “I DON’T KNOW, BUT I’LL FIND OUR FOR YOU”.
Don’t be surprised if your children know more than you expected. As a clinical psychologist who works with children and teenagers, I have often found kids are more “in-the-know” than their parents would have guessed.

As you can see, there’s plenty to teach beyond the mechanics of sexuality. Perhaps even more important is teaching the communication, problem-solving skills, and assertiveness skills to your child so they are equipped to confidently manage unexpected situations.

I’m the mom psychologist who will help you GetYourKidsInternetSafe.

Onward to More Awesome Parenting,

Tracy S. Bennett, Ph.D
Mom, Clinical Psychologist, CSUCI Adjunct Faculty
GetKidsInternetSafe.com

5 Opportunities You Shouldn’t Miss When Teaching Sex Ed to Your Kids!

June 18, 2014 by Dr. Tracy Bennett

Part 2 of a 4-Part Series: “Sex Ed Tips For Awesome Parenting in the Digital Age”

Sex education doesn’t have to be a weird, uncomfortable lecture. When it is appropriate to the conversation, engage your kids in dialogue. Simple as that.

5 Opportunities You Shouldn’t Miss When Teaching Sex Ed to Your Kids!

BE PREPARED TO HAVE MANY SMALL CONVERSATIONS OVER TIME RATHER THAN ONE BIG ONE.
Keep it simple to start then gradually add more details as your children age and as their questions become more complex. Don’t sprint to the finish in one sitting just because you’re nervous. Your first conversation may last 20 seconds, then overtime they’ll be longer and more complex. Set up the forms today, pour the concrete later, then you still have the finish work. Educating your children is a process over many years to come. Don’t rush it.  
TEACH ACCURATE BODY-PART VOCABULARY WHILE CHILDREN ARE LEARNING LANGUAGE.
Also teach them discretion about when it’s appropriate to talk about those body parts and when it isn’t! Preschool is not the time to talk about vaginas and penises… 
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES (MOVIES, ARTICLES, STORYTELLING) TO BRING UP SEX ED TOPICS.
An easy way to initiate the conversation is by saying, “What did you think of that?”
IF YOU’RE UNCOMFORTABLE STARTING THE CONVERSATION WITH YOUR CHILDREN DIRECTLY, LET THEM “OVERHEAR” A CONVERSATION WITH YOUR MATE AT DINNERTIME THEN ASK IF THEY HAVE QUESTIONS.
For example, “when I was 10 years old I had no idea how babies were made! Can you believe my first real education was…?”.
WHEN YOUR DAUGHTER DOES START HER PERIOD, TAKE HER FOR A SPECIAL MOTHER-DAUGHTER GODDESS OUTING TO MODEL OPEN DIALOGUE AND THE CELEBRATION OF FEMININITY.
Avoid scaring her by acting like this is a dreaded or punishing event.

Allowing sex ed to happen organically during a regular day with the family makes it much easier. It’s a healthy, natural part of life so why not discuss it here and there?

I’m the mom psychologist who will help you GetYourKidsInternetSafe.

Onward to More Awesome Parenting,

Tracy S. Bennett, Ph.D Mom, Clinical Psychologist, CSUCI Adjunct Faculty
GetKidsInternetSafe.com

Who’s my cousin? Here’s a slant on it taking a global village

5 Things to Avoid When Teaching Sex Ed to Your Kids!

June 11, 2014 by Dr. Tracy Bennett

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Part 1 of a 4-Part Series: “Sex Ed Tips For Awesome Parenting in the Digital Age”

Parents are so uncomfortable teaching sex ed that they simply put it off until…forever. Or they hand the kid a book or expect the school or peers to handle it. This leaves kids uninformed, hungry for knowledge, and vulnerable. With unfiltered access to the Internet, kids are being groomed to be customers with graphic pornographic video expertly modified to capture the viewer. Do you really want your child captured by porn? Or worse yet, a sexual predator? GetKidsInternetSafe was developed to solve exposure problems that are reaching epidemic proportions. Our best line of defense is good parenting. This program assures your bases are covered! Todays article is about child and parent empowerment through education and cooperative communication.

Learning about sexuality is a lifelong process that starts as soon as you become aware of yourself as an independent being. A comprehensive knowledge allows us to make healthy decisions about our bodies and intimate relationships. As I mentioned last week, school and the Internet should not be your child’s sole resources for sexual education. Do your best parenting by providing your kids with a positive and factual view about sexuality by covering these sexual education tips. If you model healthy dialogue early, then your kids will come to you for answers!

This week I surveyed my university students about sexual education in the home. Despite the fact that it is commonly known that sex ed is important for healthy development, only one male student in my class said he had been educated about sexuality by his parents! And even then, he elaborated that the education was one quick conversation clouded in discomfort. More female students reported they received in-home sexual education, but most said it was primarily about puberty and menstruation and that sexuality issues were discussed with more fear-based content than education-based content. They were in enthusiastic agreement that kids need far more than that to develop a healthy self-identity, especially with so much unfiltered sexual content readily available on the Internet.

As always, I trust you to custom fit my suggestions into your family with your best judgment. Families and children are unique, and nothing guides better than parental instincts. Below are the first 5 sex ed tips in my 4-part series “Sex Ed Tips for Awesome Parenting in the Digital Age”. Hold on to your hats moms and dads, this is one of the most challenging aspects of parenting but also one of the most important!

5 Things to Avoid When Teaching Sex Ed to Your Kids!

SILENCE:

Choosing to stay silent and avoid sexual education may cause confusion and shame for your child, which is more likely to lead to later hang-ups about sexuality and irresponsible sexual choices. Being an awesome parent means doing what’s best for your child, not making yourself most comfortable by avoiding the issue.
LEAVING IT UP TO SAME-GENDER PARENT ONLY:

Both moms and dads should provide education to both sons and daughters. It’s important for them to hear from both perspectives, and they may relate to one parent’s communication style better than the other. Model open dialogue and educated problem solving and start when they’re young!
LIMITING CONTENT TO THE TECHNICALITIES:
Instead of just talking about sex ed mechanics, incorporate family values and beliefs into the discussion. Be persuasive rather than demanding. Your children will learn content AND important skills, all the while feeling that they are part of the perspective-taking rather than coerced into it. Eye-rolls aside, kids generally adopt their parents’ values. The more complex their understanding, the more comfortable they will be with making firm, and sometimes unpopular, decisions.
USING THE OPPORTUNITY TO ESTABLISH AUTHORITY:
Don’t be intrusive or demand disclosure from your children. Your objective is to educate and encourage cooperative dialogue, not scare your children or exert your parental authority. You’re not their friend, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be warm, open, and encouraging. Being heavy-handed with your control issues will drive them away rather than into the family support system.
BEING RIGID AND LECTURING:
Avoid uninformed, strict, and inflexible standards. It’s perfectly acceptable to explore issues prior to sharing your position. It’s also OK to disagree. Give your children time to develop a perspective rather than demand adoption of yours.

Phew! I know this is scary stuff, which is why I wrote it! I encourage you to think about it, discuss it, and decide for yourself what is best your family. I read this entire series aloud to my kids and husband, and I have to admit, watching my husband’s reaction was pretty funny. It sparked lots of good questions from the kids and, later, an awesome collaboration with Dan. It honestly made us feel great knowing we are arming the kids with education in preparation for a world that is not always so friendly.

I’m the mom psychologist who will help you GetYourKidsInternetSafe.

Onward to More Awesome Parenting,

Tracy S. Bennett, Ph.D Mom, Clinical Psychologist, CSUCI Adjunct Faculty
GetKidsInternetSafe.com

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Get your FREE GKIS Connected Family Screen Agreement

IT IS NORMAL FOR SOME KIDS TO BE MODEST ABOUT NUDITY AND OTHERS TO LET IT ALL HANG OUT.
Simply teach them about privacy and discretion.

BE PREPARED TO LISTEN AS WELL AS TEACH.
That means avoid interrupting, lecturing, shaming, and criticizing.

ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO HAVE AN OPINION AND TEACH THEM DECISION-MAKING, PEER NEGOTIATION, AND REFUSAL SKILLS.
Role-play challenging situations that may come up and engage in fun debate.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY, “I DON’T KNOW, BUT I’LL FIND OUR FOR YOU”.
Don’t be surprised if your children know more than you expected. As a clinical psychologist who works with children and teenagers, I have often found kids are more “in-the-know” than their parents would have guessed.

TEACH ACCURATE BODY-PART VOCABULARY WHILE CHILDREN ARE LEARNING LANGUAGE.
Also teach them discretion about when it’s appropriate to talk about those body parts and when it isn’t! Preschool is not the time to talk about vaginas and penises…

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES (MOVIES, ARTICLES, STORYTELLING) TO BRING UP SEX ED TOPICS.
An easy way to initiate the conversation is by saying, “What did you think of that?”

WHEN YOUR DAUGHTER DOES START HER PERIOD, TAKE HER FOR A SPECIAL MOTHER-DAUGHTER GODDESS OUTING TO MODEL OPEN DIALOGUE AND THE CELEBRATION OF FEMININITY.
Avoid scaring her by acting like this is a dreaded or punishing event.

SILENCE:

LEAVING IT UP TO SAME-GENDER PARENT ONLY:

Both moms and dads should provide education to both sons and daughters. It’s important for them to hear from both perspectives, and they may relate to one parent’s communication style better than the other. Model open dialogue and educated problem solving and start when they’re young!

BEING RIGID AND LECTURING:
Avoid uninformed, strict, and inflexible standards. It’s perfectly acceptable to explore issues prior to sharing your position. It’s also OK to disagree. Give your children time to develop a perspective rather than demand adoption of yours.

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#sexualeducationforkids

Part 4 of a 4-Part Series: “Sex Ed Tips For Awesome Parenting in the Digital Age”

5 Sex Ed Topics You Should Be Sure to Cover (plus a bonus that is guaranteed to make uncomfortable).

Part 3 of a 4-Part Series: “Sex Ed Tips For Awesome Parenting in the Digital Age”

6 Parenting Tips for Making Sex Ed Easier!

IT IS NORMAL FOR SOME KIDS TO BE MODEST ABOUT NUDITY AND OTHERS TO LET IT ALL HANG OUT. Simply teach them about privacy and discretion.

BE PREPARED TO LISTEN AS WELL AS TEACH. That means avoid interrupting, lecturing, shaming, and criticizing.

ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO HAVE AN OPINION AND TEACH THEM DECISION-MAKING, PEER NEGOTIATION, AND REFUSAL SKILLS. Role-play challenging situations that may come up and engage in fun debate.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY, “I DON’T KNOW, BUT I’LL FIND OUR FOR YOU”. Don’t be surprised if your children know more than you expected. As a clinical psychologist who works with children and teenagers, I have often found kids are more “in-the-know” than their parents would have guessed.

Part 2 of a 4-Part Series: “Sex Ed Tips For Awesome Parenting in the Digital Age”

5 Opportunities You Shouldn’t Miss When Teaching Sex Ed to Your Kids!

TEACH ACCURATE BODY-PART VOCABULARY WHILE CHILDREN ARE LEARNING LANGUAGE. Also teach them discretion about when it’s appropriate to talk about those body parts and when it isn’t! Preschool is not the time to talk about vaginas and penises…

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES (MOVIES, ARTICLES, STORYTELLING) TO BRING UP SEX ED TOPICS. An easy way to initiate the conversation is by saying, “What did you think of that?”

WHEN YOUR DAUGHTER DOES START HER PERIOD, TAKE HER FOR A SPECIAL MOTHER-DAUGHTER GODDESS OUTING TO MODEL OPEN DIALOGUE AND THE CELEBRATION OF FEMININITY. Avoid scaring her by acting like this is a dreaded or punishing event.

Part 1 of a 4-Part Series: “Sex Ed Tips For Awesome Parenting in the Digital Age”

5 Things to Avoid When Teaching Sex Ed to Your Kids!

SILENCE:

LEAVING IT UP TO SAME-GENDER PARENT ONLY:

Both moms and dads should provide education to both sons and daughters. It’s important for them to hear from both perspectives, and they may relate to one parent’s communication style better than the other. Model open dialogue and educated problem solving and start when they’re young!

BEING RIGID AND LECTURING: Avoid uninformed, strict, and inflexible standards. It’s perfectly acceptable to explore issues prior to sharing your position. It’s also OK to disagree. Give your children time to develop a perspective rather than demand adoption of yours.

Follow Us

Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

Interested in weekly GKIS articles?

Don't Miss Out & Sign Up Today!

IT IS NORMAL FOR SOME KIDS TO BE MODEST ABOUT NUDITY AND OTHERS TO LET IT ALL HANG OUT.
Simply teach them about privacy and discretion.

BE PREPARED TO LISTEN AS WELL AS TEACH.
That means avoid interrupting, lecturing, shaming, and criticizing.

ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO HAVE AN OPINION AND TEACH THEM DECISION-MAKING, PEER NEGOTIATION, AND REFUSAL SKILLS.
Role-play challenging situations that may come up and engage in fun debate.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY, “I DON’T KNOW, BUT I’LL FIND OUR FOR YOU”.
Don’t be surprised if your children know more than you expected. As a clinical psychologist who works with children and teenagers, I have often found kids are more “in-the-know” than their parents would have guessed.

TEACH ACCURATE BODY-PART VOCABULARY WHILE CHILDREN ARE LEARNING LANGUAGE.
Also teach them discretion about when it’s appropriate to talk about those body parts and when it isn’t! Preschool is not the time to talk about vaginas and penises… 

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES (MOVIES, ARTICLES, STORYTELLING) TO BRING UP SEX ED TOPICS.
An easy way to initiate the conversation is by saying, “What did you think of that?”

WHEN YOUR DAUGHTER DOES START HER PERIOD, TAKE HER FOR A SPECIAL MOTHER-DAUGHTER GODDESS OUTING TO MODEL OPEN DIALOGUE AND THE CELEBRATION OF FEMININITY.
Avoid scaring her by acting like this is a dreaded or punishing event.

BEING RIGID AND LECTURING:
Avoid uninformed, strict, and inflexible standards. It’s perfectly acceptable to explore issues prior to sharing your position. It’s also OK to disagree. Give your children time to develop a perspective rather than demand adoption of yours.