Since most parents are ashamed to talk about sexuality, they try to delay this issue as much as possible. However, children, in all their naivety, want to ask questions about topics that confuse them and are curious. These questions about sexuality can arouse anxiety in parents who are unprepared for how they should behave. This anxiety can sometimes be caused by the fact that they think they are not knowledgeable enough. In this case, what needs to be done is to have information about the developmental stages of the child and their physical and spiritual needs in these periods. It is also an issue that needs to be discussed between spouses.
A child who can talk to his/her parents about anything will share his/her questions about sexuality with his/her family first. Sexuality is not a topic to be talked about casually and giving enough time to your child when he/she has questions will enable you to establish a healthy communication.
The information we will tell about sexuality should be appropriate for our child’s developmental level. The questions they ask us also help us understand their knowledge levels. It is best to give short and clear answers to the questions they ask. After perceiving and digesting this information, it will make its own definition. Then it may come up with another question. Children ask us questions when they are ready. It is an attitude that should never be done. Our tone of voice and body language should be compassionate and accepting. We should have an attitude that makes everyone feel that sexuality cannot be talked about and that there are limits.
If children cannot learn the answers to their questions from their parents, they will try to learn from the internet, friends, television or other sources. This uncontrolled information may do more harm than good.
If the mother, who realizes that her child is playing sexual games with a friend, says “I think you are wondering about your bodies” without getting angry with her and gives information about the difference in the genitals of girls and boys, she will give the right message. did you?” Curiosity; “Girls and boys are different from each other, boys have penises and girls have vaginas” would be a sufficient explanation.
In the preschool period, both parents can answer questions about sexuality regardless of gender. At later ages, it will be appropriate for the child to talk to his/her same-sex parent. However, the other parent should also be informed about the issue.
With sexual education, first of all, the child is helped to accept the roles of boys and girls and to learn the characteristics of his own gender. Awareness of social roles will be provided.
Again, a healthy sexual education in the family allows the child to learn that his body is special, the limits of privacy, and protects the child from possible sexual harassment.
