|
Children and sex education
¡@
¡@
Sex education helps children grow up to be
responsible and safe adults. Here's how to know what to say and when to
say it:
¡@
Toddlers (to 2 years): Children are
just learning about male and female and roles for girls and boys.
Help your child learn the correct names for the parts of their bodies.
¡@
Preschool (3-4 years): Children
might have many questions about their bodies and why girls and boys are
different. You can help them by listening to and answering their
questions without making it seem "difficult" or "embarrassing."
¡@
Young children (5-8 years): Children
can start to understand more complex ideas. They might have questions or
even concerns about sexuality. They can learn the "facts of life"
including how a woman gets pregnant and why a man cannot.
¡@
Preteens (9-12 years): Children are
concerned about how they look and about being "normal." You can talk
about pregnancy, HIV, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexual
intercourse. Let them know that this is adult behavior and not for young
people. Encourage them to ask you questions and talk freely with you.
¡@
Teenagers (13-19 years): Talk to
teenagers about sex and related health matters. Let them know your
values and beliefs, and also give them information about pregnancy,
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and
contraception. Young people need accurate information about pregnancy
and safe sex before they are sexually active.
¡@
|
