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- $Unique_ID{BRK00448}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Educating Youngsters About Reproduction and Sex}
- $Subject{sex education child care Community Social lifestyle lifestyles
- curiosity emotional sexual development behavior behaviors sexuality}
- $Volume{Q-23,S-23}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Educating Youngsters About Reproduction and Sex
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- QUESTION: I break out into a cold sweat every time my 4 year old son starts
- wondering where babies come from. I have doubts that I know enough about
- educating youngsters of his age about reproduction and sex, yet feel there
- must be an answer both to his question and my problem. I wish you could take
- over for me. What do I do?
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- ANSWER: If the answer that you are not alone can help you to relax, then be
- assured, there are many other parents in this same boat. The hardest part is
- overcoming your own doubts of inadequacy; but fear not, you can manage quite
- well if you stay calm and follow a few important tips. Stay cool, stay
- accessible to your youngster, and stay simple. Don't panic when such
- questions arise, but listen carefully. You may be making more out of the
- question than Junior is intending. When your reaction shows that you don't
- find such discussions difficult, you remain the first person to ask for such
- information, an important position you don't ever want to abandon. Once the
- intent of the question is understood, answer as fully but as simply as
- possible. Don't launch into that complete lecture you have been rehearsing
- against this moment, as it is just not necessary. There will be time enough
- for that in the future, if you don't lose the thread of curiosity that
- promotes the questioning at this time. You are just at the beginning now,
- with plenty of time to read up on the advice from the experts, and become
- prepared to continue such conversations throughout the emotional, social and
- yes, sexual development of your offspring. You have the responsibility to
- guide your child through the trials of growing up and teach the ethical
- principles that motivate your own life.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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