With kids being exposed about sexual matters,topics like sex and relationships are not considered a taboo anymore for modern day parents.It is shocking to know that the result of a new poll declares that "sex still continues being a taboo subject for parents".
The survey Commissioned by the Girls Schools' Association revealed that over one third of parents found such talks hard to initiate when the conversation states about sexual preferences or relationships.
"In India, there's an obvious reluctance among parents when it comes to discussing sexuality or relationship with kids. While some stay silent assuming that the child is getting enough education in school on the subject, other believe that telling children about sex will encourage sexual experimentation, so they would rather focus on other areas like kids' academics and achievements, study habits, leisure time activities etc." according to Dr. RK Gupts,a clinical physiologist,(dealing in behavioural problems of children).
Indu Verma,mother of a 14-year-old daughter shares her story,"I was apprehensive talking about sexuality with my daughter. Though she often approached me with certain queries related to sex, I would just ignore her concerns, presuming that it's not the right age for her and I was also worried that it may affect her mental growth. Moreover, I could never find an appropriate way in which I could start off a discussion with her, so I avoided such talks."
A consultant psychiatrist,(Adult, Child, de-addiction),Dr. M Phani Prasant says, "Worrying that discussing sex has negative consequences on a child's growth are nothing but myths holding parents back from adopting a candid approach towards their kids. They must stop assuming that sexuality is a natural process the child will gradually learn. Parents need to make up their mind first and then look for ways in which they can start off a conversation."
Sex education involves more than just the biological mechanics of reproduction. Ideally, a variety of important topics should be covered including relationships and emotions, sexual feelings, values, gender roles, sexuality, sexually transmissible infections (STIs), pregnancy and birth control, safer sex practices and contraception, sexual acts other than intercourse, sexual problems, sexual preferences etc.
Posts
