Sex..sexuality....and education

The taboo topic and where to begin....

So this was probably the lecture that everyone was interested in, how it works, what to say, and how to do all this with out messing words up or going beetroot red!!

So the big question is when does it all start......well it should start young. Start by normalising conversation about:

• bodies
• good & bad feelings
• families & relationships and,
• learning communication skills from a young age makes it ok for children to ask questions and to build on their understanding as they mature

Set up a class agreement that includes:

• no put downs
• use correct terms (rather than fluffy ones)
• no personal questions (talk in 3rd person if possible)
• respect all questions and opinions (I can't answer right now, but come back to it)
• What we share is confidential
• it is ok to pass (participate as you feel comfortable)
• respect - one person speaks at a time/listen when others are speaking (could use a talking stick)
• celebrate diversity

Just remember you are human as well and....

• don't interrogate the child
• accept the questions at face value
• if you don't know say so
• answer the question as simply and honestly as you can
• if you are embarrassed - admit it!
• respond to the question, not the language
• try to answer the question immediately
• discuss attitudes and values.

It can't half as bad as the birds and bees with your parents aye!