The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1929-05-02
Sex Should
BeExblained
byPa119nts
RY MARTHA LEE

Taking for granted that most
people haye been reading the story
Of the grandmother who was con-
yicted of sending obscene literature
through the mails. there are few
things that might be said in con-
nection with this that refers eSpe-
cially to my column.
In the first place. this 60-year-old
woman was distributing pamphlet
on sex education that she had used
with their own children when they
we're growing up.
I often have wondered why the
important problem OF sex education
was not taught in the same manner
as health and hygiene. 1t can be
taught so clearly. so harmleSSly eX-
planned to growing youth. AS it is,
we arc being foolish and SenSelesS
about one of the most important
things in a child's life
Has Terrible Results
1t is just the neglect of parents to
explain life to children that causes
these morbid thoughts and ideas,
gathered from hearing the unsatis-
factory and crudely put eXplana-
tons of their school chums.
It is this shying away from the
subject that causes children to be-
come curious about things that
could be explained so easily by
mother or father.
Another thing, because it is a
barred subject in so many house
holds. an unnatural Importance is
attached to it. 1t looms terribly
large and fearful under those con-
ditiOns.
So many mothers refuse to admit
that their children are growing up.
that they are not old enough to
have dates. That is so foolish and
senSelesS.
Friendship Is Natural
1t is natural Tor girls and boys to
desire the friendship of each other,
and, given a fair chance, it will
develop into natural and good
friendship. The parent who denies
his child those friendships that
work for good will live to regret the
bonds he put upon his child.
Here is a letter from a young girl
whose mother is denying her the
innocent friendship of boys her own
age.
Dear Martha Lee: I am II years old and
in high school. I am not awfully good
looking. but have nice face and fair
Well-liEcd in school.
But Miss Lee. my mother will not ALLOW
nc TO have dates I dare not go to the
school dances. or even walk down tho
street from school with boy. All tho
other girls have dates and go to dances.
But I dare not. If my mother sees or
hears ef me even walking down the block
with boy. she flies tinto a rage and
denies me the very next thing I want.
Lives Lonely Life
what is the matter. that I can not have
friends like other girls? The boys ask nc
for dates, fewer and fever of them,
must admit. but Just tho same 1t is awful
always TO have to say no"
Why. Miss Lee. I can not even have a
boy friend como over to my house to
cali on me. I am so lonely. It is not
that want to have dates often. I would
pc content Just 10 go 10 the dances Il
have danced SO little that I am nc , very
good. but I would love to co. And as
for going steady. I would not care 30 do
that for years and Years Mother will
not realize that I have grown up. what
can I do? Why is she so unreasonable?
LONELY.
do not know why she is so I'M
reasonable. but she surely is There
is no excuse for a mother to deny
her child the innocent good times
that come with healthy compan-
ionship with boys, You should talk
this over with your mother.
Get her reasons for refusing to
allow you to have dates. or even
to let your friends come to your
home. Explain to her. as you have
TO me, how it is so hard for you to
understand her denying you these
friendships, and I am sure she at
least will give you her reasons.