If your son or daughter has grown out of their cot, you might already be thinking along these lines. Recent changes in the social and cultural state of affairs has made this an even more intriguing and serious issue for new parents-when should they tell their children about sex? Up to just fifty years back, parents would leave the discovery of this natural phenomenon on the school environment, as either the administration itself or the peers would take it upon themselves to explain the basics of sex.
However, in the recent decade or so, the internet has opened avenues for many opportunities, and it has made it much easier for children to know about sex. A simple web search can take a toddler to places even an adult could not imagine to have in their grasp some time back. Additionally, the internet makes it much easier for paedophiles and sex offenders to approach unaware children and teenagers, making it crucial for parents to take prompt action. Although most parents assume that children have the wisdom to avoid strangers and guard their personal information, curiosity and temptation can pull any child into troublesome situations.
Hence, it's established that sex education is very essential for any child. But when should you have the big talk? Many parents feel that this talk should be in conjunction with talking about puberty, when 'big changes' begin to manifest in their children. But with the glamorization of the media industry, the increased connectivity and lack of privacy on the internet has made it essential that you shift your plans earlier. Though it may seem you're rushing into it, toddlers today have already started to develop a sense of gender, romantic love and social stigmas associated with it. Approaching your child before unreliable sources such as the internet, peers or criminals can influence him or her, is the best way to deal with it.
At the same time, there's no one who can put down the exact time. With sex education a part of school curriculum, many of the details which parents are uncomfortable with can be skipped. But making this understanding with your child is necessary-when you do it depends on a variety of factors, such as your personal views about sex, the personality and psyche of your child and the level of liberty you've afforded to your child. So, buckle yourself up for the talk. It's all right to be nervous but your child is even more anxious and curious, so they need all the support you can give.