If you have an elementary school age child, you will soon be receiving the permission slip to sign that allows your child to attend the basic health education course that schools provide to fourth and fifth graders. These classes are barely one hour and a DVD is shown that describes puberty. This is a complicated topic that takes a lot more than just an hour of education!
Basic health education for our children begins at home. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
1 - By the ages of 3 to 4 all children should know the correct names for their private body parts and whether they are a boy or a girl.
2 - Privacy vs. secrecy. Children should understand that their private body parts, those covered by their bathing suits, are considered private and no one should touch them there. They should also know to say “NO” and tell a trusted adult.
3 - By elementary school children should have a good sense of family life. Know that they are loved and respected as individual. They should have a clear sense of family’s religious beliefs and values.
4 - By fifth grade children should understand the basic concepts of birth and conception. Where do babies come from, how do they get out of the mother’s body and how do they get in.
Parents need to talk to their children starting at an early age. Brief, frequent chats incorporating everyday life are much better received than the dreaded one time talk. Speak to your pediatrician regarding guidelines as to what is age appropriate for children of different ages. The earlier the parent initiates these conversations, the easier it is. Children need basic concepts presented in small increments.
For more information on discussing the birds and the bees with ease and tackling the topic of puberty visit www.healthychats.com.
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