When is the right time for sex education?

Basically from the very beginning

Most children who grow up in an open family environment grow up, spontaneously and on their own ask about the things that are currently preoccupied with – whether that is the physical differences are, falling in love, or how a baby is conceived. The actual task of the parents is less about 'working through' certain sex education topics, but rather to listening to their child and to talk with them about the topics that are relevant.

Sexual education at school

Sex education is included in the curriculum for the subject Biology included. However, the school cannot completely relieve parents of the topic of sex education.. On the one hand, it strongly depends on the school and the teacher how and to what extent sexual education is dealt with. On the other hand, many children will have difficulties if they, by primary school age, have not learned an open, 'informed' approach to sexuality learned.

Sexual education: It's about more than the body

How do I explain that?

Support for sexual education

• Sex education books: Not everyone speaks candidly about sex, births, or sex characteristics. In addition, many parents are unsure how to prepare these topics in a 'child-appropriate' way. Sex education books offer support, especially if these are part of the household from the very beginning – this makes the topic more or less matter-of-fact for the children.

• Honesty: Stories about the stork will sooner or later be your undoing. You don't have to from the beginning go into detail , but answer honestly, when your child questions about sexuality.

• Openness: It can be difficult to respond to your child's questions when the topic of sexuality makes you uncomfortable. Nevertheless, you should always show your child, that it is okay to ask and that you will answer seriously.

• Facts: Many children develop their own ideas about sexuality. In conversation with your child you can find out, what it already knows and build on this knowledge or correct.

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Mother and daughter lying on the sofa © NDABCREATIVITY - stock.adobe.com