Many parents jump to the conclusion that talking about sexuality with their children means talking about sexual intercourse. Sexuality refers to much more than sexual intercourse. It involves how we feel about ourselves as boys and girls, men and women and how we present ourselves to members of the same and opposite sex. It is an integral part of our self-esteem and body image. It is also our sexual behaviour, including, but far from limited to, sexual intercourse.
Sexuality is a significant part of our physiological, psychological, social and spiritual selves.
Many parents, while acknowledging this broader definition of sexuality get stuck on sexual behaviour. They question when you should start talking about sexuality or suggest that they can wait a few years to talk to their 3 year old son or daughter. We give our children a sexuality education from the first time we hold them. From our role modeling, children learn how we behave and interact with people we love or how we react to sexist or aggressive comments, for instance. Role modeling is the most powerful tool we have to teach our children about the many of aspects about sexuality.