Both experts agree that children need to be taught about sex at an early age, especially since a new report reveals that girls, especially Black girls, are maturing and experiencing puberty at a much earlier age than previously thought. The Journal of Pediatrics released a study recently that concluded earlier sexual maturation is occurring in American girls. The study also states that Black girls grow pubic hair and begin menstruation at a rate of two years earlier than Whites. Planned Parenthood spokesperson Chaunda Roseborough says that discussing sex with your child early is the best way to prevent unwanted incidents. The organization has released a new book, How to Talk With Your Child About Sexuality, which lists the following guidelines for what children should know about sex at certain stages in their development.
Babies learn early that touching their bodies and sex organs feels good.
They should be allowed to do this. If parents try to stop them, they'll do it anyway, but will feel guilty about it. And babies will learn not to trust their parents later in life when they're seeking guidance about sexuality. Dr. Paster adds that it's never too early to talk to your child about sex, especially since the child cultivates messages about sex and love based on family interactions when they are very young. You are communicating attitudes about sex from the time the child is born, so parents need to accept the fact that sex is normal and positive, and this will be the basis for their children to develop mature relationships with other people.