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I know what you're thinking, "Back up, back up, Brit. Don't you have pre-schoolers?"
Why yes, yes I do.
To us, sexuality is one of those things that shouldn't come as a shocking "aha" moment as a teen. It's something that should be introduced in small steps as a child can understand. And, in true child fashion, they'll be ready to understand much faster than you're ready to explain.
"Mommy, how'd she get that baby in her tummy?"
Yeah. Like that.
That's why I love Simple Truths
with Mary Flo Ridley. This DVD set shows you how you can talk to your child about sexual character from each step of development and all from a Biblical standpoint.In honor of Valentine's Day, I'd like to share a set with a reader*. Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on shaping your child's sexual character. How were you taught about sex as a child? I'm still waiting on my "sex talk!"
* This sampler DVD was given to me by a friend who works at Just Say YES, a non-profit that provides youth with factual and relational information equipping them to live healthy and successful lives and avoid high risk behaviors such as alcohol, drugs, and teen sexual activity. Just Say YES programming is designed to leave a lasting impact on youth.
I was given no compensation for my opinions, nor was the DVD sampler given to me in the hopes that I would write a blog post about it. This is simply a tool that Heath and I liked and wanted to pass on to someone else.
12 comments:
This is something my husband and I talk about alot, when is the right time? We don't want them to be 'educated' by their peers but we don't want to peak their interest too young. Our kids are four with one on the way and waiting on a match for adoption! We also always want to make sure to keep whatever we teach them Biblical...so this sounds like something we would be interested in!
For a while in grad school I thought my area of specialty would be sex therapy...my first day of "sex therapy class" the professor has us all say and write on the board every name we had ever heard for any "private part". The board was totally full in 10 min's....then he had us all repeat, out loud, the words "penis" and "vagina" 20 times each...he said we had to get used to saying the words comfortably...man, I'll never forget that class. The videos sound very interesting...I believe sex should be a continual open conversation from the time kiddos can talk. :)
My mom handed me a book and told me to read it. She said that I could come talk to her when I was finished. I still remember the name of the book that I never read!!! I use the correct terms with my 3.5 year old and she uses them with me. She doesn't always say them correctly, but she tries. I don't want these words to be "Taboo" to her.
I don't really remember ever getting any type of sex talk, but we are trying to start early with our kids. We are trying to keep the lines of communication really open so that they will come to us with questions instead of the kids at school. I do like the "little steps" concept and gradually talking to them instead of one big huge uncomfortable talk later on.
My mom was very open with me. I don't ever remember one "talk," we just always talked and we still do. I always knew I would have a period and that people had sex and that sex should be something enjoyed by people in love. I never remember "learning," it was just always part of my knowledge as far back as I can remember. I hope I can be the same kind of mom as mine was!
I also remember no singular "sex talk" but a lot more honesty and discussion in age appropriate terms when questions were asked, or opportunity presented itself because of something I had seen or heard.
I also got to accompany my mom to the hospital at age 14 to deliver my youngest brother...that in itself was a fantastic learning experience about the joys and pains involved in the process.
I may be the odd man out here, but I think my kids are way too young to even begin to understand. I think it's more like pre teen to me. Way too over their head.....sorry...love...affection..friendship, family. yes....sex.....not now.....let them be kids and enjoy the innocence. All that stuff can be down the road, and just because it's introduced later doesn't make it have to be shocking.
I think the simple child like way one would talk about it now wouldn't be very accurate anyway and we have to be corrected later.
Jenna, I love your opinion and honestly think that that's why this program is so great! She talks about how to answer their questions on an age appropriate level. Everything that she teaches builds upon everything else so when you hit the teenage years you aren't totally lost and haven't given others the opportunity to teach your kids about sex. I think it's actually right in-line with your beliefs!
Oh I LOVE Mary Flo Ridley. She is hilarious. Jackson asked the other day in the car how a baby comes out your tummy and we about had a accident since Daddy was driving! I think those DVDs would be great for us to watch together.
This program sounds very interesting!! I am not ready to talk to my three year old yet, but I would love to know what this lady thinks is age appropriate for a three year old! My mom had "the talk" with me at age 10 b/c I wouldn't quit asking questions. She was completely honest and told me everything....of course I was disgusted with the whole deal!! :)
thanks for clarifying...
No one gave me "the talk," I figured it out on my own eventually, but up through middle school, I seriously thought all it took to make a baby was to lie in bed naked with your husband! hahaha! For my kids, I hope to be able to tell them the way you are suggesting: incrementally as they ask or are ready to hear it. Actually, though, I am cringing as I write this, not knowing what to say!
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