It’s that time of year again when this is a question/issue that’s on most children’s minds (and bodies!). Last year, I remember at this time, Kathy’s class was swarming with exhibitionists!!

            Sexuality is one of the hardest issue to deal with in a neutral/objective way. Whether we like it or not, whether we are aware of them or not, our hang-ups, sense of morality, values, and religious beliefs, play into how we address (or not address) this issue.

Because of better nutrition, hormones kick in earlier, and children mature faster physically in this first world country than others. So there’s more “young” libido out there than in survival-mode environments. But the brain, especially the part that is responsible for making good judgments (pre-frontal cortex) is not quite mature yet.

  Billboards, magazines, movies, talk shows, store windows – IT’S EVERYWHERE! We are bombarded with images of sex all the time. And as a result, we are more stimulated than ever before.

            As parents and significant adults in their lives, we shouldn’t panic or freeze when our children talk to us about sex (in whatever shape, form or age). Instead, we should be thankful that they are, because they are sharing their thoughts and inner world with us. And we want them to continue seeking us as sanctuaries for issues as delicate or awkward as this. Our job is to create an environment where they will feel safe to talk. If not, they will go somewhere else and they will learn what they learn (From the streets or elsewhere). Once a person’s sexuality is awakened (Remember Freud said this is a drive, so like hunger, there is no point of satiety!) it can’t be put back to sleep. People just develop coping skills (healthy or unhealthy) if they are not able to express themselves naturally or learn socially-acceptable behaviors.

            Suggestion: When you talk about sex, try to always talk about it in the context of a loving relationship. Never mind that someday, they will discover the purely animalistic nature of it at times. But hopefully, Mr./Ms. Cortex has matured at that time and is capable of creating containers when the feelings become seemingly uncontainable.