Sex Ed and Sexual Abuse

Sex is the one topic that parents generation after generation have the most difficulty teaching their children. Sexual development is part of human development but the subject is infused with so much cultural meaning including fear and shame that we often avoid the issue. Most people pass on the job of sex education because they are not sure of the facts and don't know what to say. Think about how you learned about sex from your own parents, or rather from peers on the playground. This is particularly difficult and dangerous when we are trying to protect our children from sexual abuse. One in four women and one in five men is the victim of child sexual abuse. Children as early as three or four need to know about "indoor" and "outdoor" plumbing, vaginas and penises and what they do and what they are for, how babies are made and how they are born, and how it feels and how to manage sexual development through adulthood. What is normal is same age sexual exploration like "playing doctor" and "show and tell", and yes, masturbation. What is not normal is sexual knowledge and language beyond age level and coercion, compulsion, and secrecy. These are red flags for sexual abuse. Perpetrator may have been victim and both need intervention. The Child Welfare League of America has some great resources including articles and books for children and parents and links to local treatment options. Sexually abused children can grow up to be healthy, happy adults. Start today.