Hi everyone!
I'm posting my observations regarding Life Skills Education for Children on this forum, until local circles approves my request to join in a parenting forum! Please read on...
Life Skills Education for children
It is a fact that children observe their environment: especially the people around them, and the shows they get to watch on TV and in the movies, very closely. When they get curious about 'taboo' topics, subjects that 'good children' cannot talk about, they resort to various magazines or websites on the Internet. They go into a huddle with their peer group and come out with ill-proportioned views passed on by the equally immature minds of their friends.
Are we not, as parents, relatives and neighbours, to blame for this state of affairs? Why do we make a particular topic 'taboo'? Is it because we can't handle the subject and are too embarassed to approach it? These are then, the leftover fragments of our own childhood, when our curiosities were not satiated. We were afraid to ask questions and seek solutions, always fearing that we were transgressing on 'moral' codes of behaviour.
Let's not transfer and impose the same negative attitude onto our children. We can direct their queries and curiosities very effectively, by first sitting down and talking to them, easing their minds about questions they regard as uncomfortable, and by telling them HOW TO THINK - providing them with perception.
We must maintain an open atmosphere at home, share healthy and responsible discussions, fun, tell each other jokes, and give children of both genders the necessary and relevant information, that will ultimately shape their minds in the 'right' direction.
Asmita ji, I have already quoted from your reply, the part that I did not agree with. Cheers!
Aug 04
Lakshmi ji, please do read my comment again. As far as I can see, at no point did I say that parents/adults should not help the child out when he is confused or reaches out to them. But then we read as we want to.
Aug 03
Lakshmi, Thank you very much for finding my comments "Helpful". I appreciate it very much. Best Regards Uncle
Aug 03
Lakshmi You are right, sex education should be an ongoing talk with your child from day one. It starts by calling genitals by their proper names. This teaches children that these body parts are not shameful, helps children communicate their needs with other caregivers, and makes it less likely for your child to become the victim of a sexual predator. You are aware today we can’t even trust our relatives. They have to be told if touched inappropriately must tell you. They must feel free to tell you or Dad freely. Most kids ask questions long before they are 9. In the beginning you should just answer the question they are asking. In other words “where do babies come from” can be answered with “dads have something called a sperm, mommies have an egg. They come together in the uterus where the baby grows.” As they get older and your child's questions get more complex and detailed, your answers should as well. If a child has not asked about how the sperm and egg get together by the time they are eight, a parent needs to initiate the conversation. It is important for children to be able to talk to their parents about sex. You should be the first place your child wants to go with a question and you will be if you keep the conversations about sex comfortable from the beginning. If not, peers who are likely to provide misinformation and may have very different values will become your child’s source of sex education. Regards
Aug 02