What to do when your child asks about sex

Sex is a sensitive topic and while some parents are bluntly honest about the details, others tend to cover it up in metaphors and safe descriptions.

Oftentimes either approach can have negative consequences if not explained properly. Here are 5 things to always remember when your child lays down a question on sex:

#1 Be honest

The first thing to remember is not to tell lies. A child at a young age is extremely impressionable and has immense trust in his parents. Eventually the parent has to come clean and deal with the truth and when the kid knows his parents had been lying all along, the trust is broken.

While some would think that the truth could be too explicit, honesty is always the best policy. The trick lies in telling them in a way that is not offensive, nor damaging.

#2 Be factual but simple

Do not shy away from the names of sexual organs. Use the proper terms to describe the process. It may not be an explicit description, perhaps something along the lines of: "a seed from daddy and an egg from mummy meet in mummy’s tummy. And the baby grows in a special place called the womb". If you answer matter-of-factly, the child would treat your answer with respect.

#3 Answer other queries

As hesitant as parents may be towards questions dealing with sex, they have to understand that they are in a position of influence and knowledge.

Children learn from their parents throughout their lives and parents should not squander their position to positively teach their children about something as important as sex.

#4 Encourage interest

As mentioned before, sex is a tricky yet essential topic. As parents, we want to be there to assuage any worries and tell the truth.

Seventeen magazine ran a survey which showed that 78 percent of mothers think their daughters feel comfortable talking to them about sex—but only 39 percent of daughters actually do. So do keep the channel open.

#5 Get a book

Tons of experts have written a great amount of books on the subject of teaching children about sex. Pick up a relevant copy from the local bookshop. Besides giving expert advice, books also contain lots of images. Children learn visually and non-explicit, scientific pictures would help sate their curiosity.

Written by

Felicia Chin

Sex Education