Childhood Sexuality:

Dealing with sexuality in today’s world is inevitable for all parents. Our children are exposed to sexuality in many ways regardless of how we personally feel about the subject. Consider that even children’s clothing styles are patterned after teen’s and women’s fashions, sometimes completely by-passing traditional children’s wear. Even if we choose to not let our own children wear those styles, they will see their peers dressed in those “older” styles, thereby having an effect on them. Printed media, television, music, movies, DVDs, etc. all provide a continuous source of sexual material for us and our children to sort out. Adolescence is more challenging than ever, coupled with decisions for intimacy, abstinence, birth control and sexual preference. The best we can do is be there for our children and not be afraid to discuss sexual topics with our children. They should expect and receive accurate information about sexuality to prepare them for life. I have found that by answering questions children ask about their bodies and topics of a possible sexual nature in a matter of fact way can be the first way to build a bridge of understanding between parent and child. By not avoiding these topics at younger ages, your child will be ready to appropriately discuss sexuality with you at the proper time. You should also be on the lookout for some of the many books on the market to assist parents in this important area of parenting.