While researching around this topic I saw that some schools have a curriculum that they call 'growing up' or ''our bodies'', I found that to be a nicer way of approaching the subject. The less awkward, the better for everyone, the parent and the child. It is such a tough subject, I actually feel quite uncomfortable talking about it because I picture myself having this talk with my children very soon....
Children between 7 and 10 are interested in how their bodies will change and how to handle friendships and bullies. Here are some things should know by this age:
- They should also know what the role of sexuality is in relationships.
- Children should know about the basic social conventions of privacy, nudity, and respect for others in relationships.
- Children should be taught the basics about puberty towards the end of this age span, as a number of children will experience some pubertal development before age 10.
- Children’s understanding of human reproduction should continue. This may include the role of sexual intercourse.
Peer pressure comes into play at this stage. Children may be pressured to 'try' things or experiment. If your child does not have the basic understanding of his/her body and knowing what is allowed and what isn't allowed, you will find your child being a victim of an experiment; they will feel the need to try certain things in order to fit in.
You will also find that some of the children nowadays develop faster than others; their body can start changing faster than their peers and they won't understand why. Not only will this confuse your child but it will also confuse their peers and make them curious. If your child isn't the one going through the changes, he/she will feel they have something wrong with them because they aren't changing. It is important to make sure your child understand what is going on and to embrace the changes, to be proud that they are changing and growing. For those that haven't started developing, they must be told their time will come and it will be at the right time. Self esteem issues come into play here and it is important to let your child know that they are normal and loved and should not be ashamed of who they are.
So in a nutshell:
- Do not shut your child out or prevent them from asking questions,
- Teach your child to understand BOUNDARIES and PRIVACY with regards to their bodies,
- Teach your child about puberty,
- Aim to be your child's FIRST source for information
Till next Monday
Stay Blessed
Tafi
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