Come on, don’t pretend you don’t know what I am referring to. You know “THE TALK” I am talking about. The SEX TALK.
Did your parents have “the talk” with you? Mine did not…. although I do remember my mom plopping me down in front of the TV for the afterschool special that described all the details, in detail. I was in 1st grade or so. After it was over, my mom asked me if I learned anything, and I was beyond mortified. So I told her I learned the word “ovary” and that was the end of that. Yes, even then I knew how to get out of a sticky situation. I think that was the last time the word “ovary” or any other word describing a part of the sexual anatomy was used in my parents’ household.
Fast forward about 30 years. When my oldest son, Andrew, was in 3rd grade, he told me that everyone in school was talking about something called “sex” and that he was embarrassed because he did not know what it was. I did what any mom would do in that situation; I called my husband and demanded that he come home from work immediately, if not sooner. When my husband decided to stay at work until midnight, I knew that the job of explaining sex to Andrew would be mine.
He was shocked and disturbed and grossed out, and I have rarely felt so uncomfortable, but together, we got through it. And now, I am proud to say we talk fairly openly about sex in our house. We don’t have any secrets or taboo topics, not even at the dinner table (especially at the dinner table). Last night we watched the “Sex” episode of Glee as a family, and I am really proud to report my kids handled it maturely and appropriately.
All this is to say that the way many of us were raised, with all matters sexual being secret and taboo, is not, in my opinion, optimal. I love having everything out in the open, and I think my kids’ attitudes about sexuality will be healthier as a result. Let’s face it, they are sexual beings too (sorry but it’s true), and I want to be the one who gives them their first glimpse of what it means to have an open, healthy attitude toward sexuality.
Do you think it’s best to be open about sexuality with your kids, or do you disagree with me? I want to hear from you!
Sounds like I grew up in a house very much like yours. There was little to know discussion regarding sex. My Mom meant well, but blushed at the very thought of “those talks”. In my house I do my very best to be open and honest and take advantage of every teachable moment. My oldest is 12 now so I am CREATING teachable moments! lol
Will be curious to see what the rest of your commenters say!