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I have a lot to say about the topic going around today both as a mom & a sexual assault advocate & counselor.
Go on tik tok and look at the stories of women sharing how they learned about sex. Do you know how many of them either a) masturbated with things they shouldn’t have (yup.. going there) b) were assaulted or c) ended up in crappy relationships/marriages and/or
D) grew up having no clue about their pleasure, sexual health, sexual well-being, or even anatomy.
Please for the love of God teach your kids correct terminology early. Talk about boundaries, private activities vs. public activities, feelings, secrets. Answer their questions about sex honestly, in an age-appropriate manner.
FFS don’t teach them storks bring babies. Don’t ignore the topic. Don’t turn blind eye. If you aren’t comfortable buying a sex toy, then don’t, but don’t call parents that do a pedophile. There’s a difference in buying it & asking them what they do with it or how much they use it
You can still respect privacy and have boundaries and empower a child to have a healthy sexuality and sexual experience.
My parents ignored every conversation or chance to talk about it. My mom found out I had sex because I got a UTI and sobbed in the doctor’s office. I was 17. I thought having sex was the only way to deal with my feelings.
I have more thoughts but I’ll stop there.
I literally do counseling to teach kids and teens (5-19) about healthy boundaries, healthy relationships, & healthy sexual health. It’s my job.
I work with kids that have been assaulted.
Some of the biggest preventative factors for sexual assault are knowing correct terminology, understanding anatomy & sexual health/safe sex knowledge, & knowing trusted adults.
If anyone wants to talk privately, let me know.
Sorry for all the typos. I pressed send before I chickened out.
I create prevention education materials for a sexual assault agency. I go into schools and teach this. We talk to pre-schoolers. I have an almost 2 year old that I use correct terminology with. I ask her for kisses
I create prevention education materials for a sexual assault agency. I go into schools and teach this. We talk to pre-schoolers. I have an almost 2 year old that I use correct terminology with. I ask her for kisses
It starts small but it makes a huge difference in the long run. It is not a school or teacher or agency’s job to teach kids this. It is a parent’s job.
And while you’re at it... teach digital consent and internet safety because the stuff I hear from ELEMENTARY students is frightening.
We can raise the next generation to be better prepared and healthy.
You also don’t need to be completely “sex positive” to teach these things you can do it respectfully and tactfully. You can do it no matter your religion - because teaching abstinence doesn’t work.
Also not saying I agree with buying an 11 year old a vibrator or dildo. I’m on the fence about that honestly, but there are things you can do to educate kids and teens (and adults) about these things.
That’s my point.
That’s my point.
What do I think you should teach kids?
-feelings & the body sensations
-asking for permission/ consent
-boundaries/personal space
-trusted adults/safety network (at home, at school, in the community)
- self-esteem
-empathy
-strengths
-secrets
-private vs. public
-feelings & the body sensations
-asking for permission/ consent
-boundaries/personal space
-trusted adults/safety network (at home, at school, in the community)
- self-esteem
-empathy
-strengths
-secrets
-private vs. public
