Many parents feel some anxiety about sitting down their little ones to explain the facts of life. How much to tell and where to start? It can seem daunting, but a little preparation can help things go smoothly.
For parents wondering whether the time is right, the current guidelines from the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) suggest that primary schools should tackle sex and relationships at the 7-11 age group. This is to ensure that children are aware of puberty in plenty of time and before they start secondary school, where sex education classes become compulsory.
These guidelines makes sense, but parents may wish to tailor them to their own child's needs. For example, a child who has started asking questions at an earlier age about 'where babies come from' can be reassured by a basic explanation, one that can be reinforced by more detailed information when they are older.
Adult minds can feel overwhelmed when trying to break down the complexity of sex for a child, but the rule is to keep it as simple as possible. Read up on the biological facts, which you can then explain in the context of a loving relationship. Be positive and confident when you talk to your child - the chances are that they will love learning about reproduction and be full of curiosity. Set aside some uninterrupted time, so that you can both relax and enjoy the experience.
There are some excellent resources out there to support parents who are looking to educate their child about the facts of life. Two useful, well-pitched books are Lets Talk About Where Babies Come From by Robie H Harris and Growing Up - Facts of Life by Susan Meredith and Robyn Gee, aimed at ages 9 to 12. Online, Facts of Life is a site that has been created by the Child Growth Foundation (CGF), a registered UK charity. It offers straightforward facts in a fun, colourful format, and includes information on basic cell biology as well as puberty and sex. Netdoctor is also a great site for making sure you get all your medical facts straight.
For girls, there is a site called Being Girl.com, run by Tampax, full of facts, fun and information that may help young girls approaching puberty feel that they are joining a special club.
With the right information at your fingertips and a confident approach, you can give your child an unforgettable insight into the incredible facts of growing up.
