Parenting would be so much easier if it were like baking. The right ingredients, the right directions, a specific chocolate to batter ratio, and voila! Perfect chocolate chip cookies! (Well, I mean, kid). Although there is literally no set way to raise children, many parents incorporate informed decision-making into their approach.
Choosing whether, how, and when to talk openly with children about sex is no exception. This is a personal decision unique to each parent. Mothers and fathers often consider many factors, such as their upbringing and culture, belief systems, social messages, and the research mentioned above. You may not feel like you have to tackle this issue alone, especially if your school district offers sex education.
If you're wondering how best to approach all of this, here's what to keep in mind:
- Even if you live in one of those states, not all sex education programs are created equal.
- Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia require both sex education and HIV education.
- Three states only mandate sex education.
- Ten states only mandate HIV education.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “When children and young people do not receive comprehensive sex education, they do not have the information they need to make healthy, informed decisions about their lives, relationships and behavior.”
If children do not have solid information about the facts or clear communication from their parents about family values, they may be exposed to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancies, misinformation, or inappropriate details about dating violence and sexual abuse. The risk of getting caught increases. , and unhealthy relationships.
Although this can all be difficult, there are many resources parents can turn to for advice! You can check out our sex education page here. And, as always, you can and should ask your pediatrician or primary care physician for guidance.
If you need more advice or have any sex-related questions, contact the experts at Maze Men's Health! We can help you choose the next steps toward healthy sex and relationships.