Sex and Sexuality

Sex and Sexuality: Having the Conversation with Our Children

Tyra M. Robinson

Professor Stacy Hurley

Sociology 101

July 23, 2012

Sex and Sexuality: Having the Conversation with Our Children

In many countries talking about sex is treated as taboo. (Macionis, 2009, p. 192) Parents are not talk to their children about it. They just tell them not to have it until they are married, and a child’s extent of conversation about sex is asking, “Where do babies come from?” during adolescence. But is this really enough? Is the lack of knowledge on the topic ruining the social outlook on sex and sexuality in our Society?

Not talking to our children about sex and sexuality at home leaves them to learn about it from outside sources such as, school, peers and media. Through these sources they might learn how to put on a condom and birth control, sexual diseases, pregnancy and abortion. But what about their sexuality, gender, incest, homosexuality and other sexual issues like rape and molestation? As much as some of these topics may frighten us as parents to talk about with our children, the harsh reality is, they need to know. They should know that sexuality is about more than just having sex. That sexuality is a theme found almost everywhere, and it is an important part of how we think about ourselves, as well as how other think about us (Macionis, 2009, p. 192).

Let them know that sex can be pleasurable, but it can also be very confusing and frightening, and this is okay, and that it is okay to wait if they feel they are not ready. Children should be aware of their bodies, and should not feel ashamed of the changes that their bodies will go through from adolescent to adult hood. There are many modern societies that take a negative attitude towards the human body especially towards for example, its sexual functions. This manifested great moral concern about, indecent clothing, dirty books and magazines, film and sexual education in public schools. In fact...