FINAL TSTO Lesa Dec 14.pdf - Flipbook - Page 14
I look at some TV shows: girls get
out of bed with their boyfriends
and they put on their school
uniforms and go to school. I mean
you can’t blame kids for thinking
this behaviour is normal!
- Parent of 7 year old boy and 10
year old girl
8 reasons for talking about sexuality (soon)
1. Many children want to know
Many younger children are curious about how babies grow, and how they
‘started’. It is better that responsible adults answer children’s questions than other
children in the playground.
2. Breaking the ice/setting the stage
Give children and yourselves practice being comfortable talking about sexual
matters before they are older and reluctant to discuss the topic.
3. It helps children cope with puber ty
Children worry: ‘Am I normal?’ and ‘When will it happen?’ They want to know how to
manage periods, or wet dreams. Learning what to expect and how to manage these
changes helps children to become independent and confident. Having your support
helps take any potential worry away.
4. Children may be star ting puber ty earlier
Puberty can start at the age of 8 for some children, particularly girls.4
5. It helps young people make healthier choices
Research shows that children whose parents talk with them about sexuality, and who
receive good sexuality education at school, are more likely to start sex later and are less
likely to have an unplanned pregnancy or to get a sexually transmitted infection.5
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