Should Parents answer their children's question about sexual topics honestly?

[Cheryl Erickson]

I believe that parents should always answer their child's questions about sex. Parents need to remember to answer appropriately according to the age of a child. There are also many terrific books available for different ages of children that have great information and illustrations to help them learn about their bodies and how they interact with others.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I think the clue lies in your statement, "based on their age and their ability to understand." I believe in honesty, but I also think there's overexplaining. A 4-year-old won't need or be able to grasp the nuances as an older kid could. Also, some kids mature sooner or later than others. That said, I think the clue lies in always having open channels of honest, respectful communication for when more complicated questions arise.

[Yasmine M]

Parents should be able to discuss any topic with their children, including the topic of sex, at least once. Of course, the details given to the children must be age appropriate. It might be awkward for both parents and children but think of this: should a child be the target of inappropriate sexual advances or should he/she be the victim of abuse, they must know they can open up to their parents because there is no forbidden topic between them.

[Brenda Creech]

I agree that parents should be honest with their children about sexual topics and try to explain things in a way they would understand. I think this would prevent confusion as children get older, and it could also help children recognize what is okay and not okay earlier. Honesty can also be helpful to children who are abused or assaulted since they can describe what is happening to them using real terms instead of the nicknames people use instead.

Absolutely! Being able to tell what they are going through is of the utmost importance! Thanks for commenting!

[Brenda Creech]

I think the clue lies in your statement, "based on their age and their ability to understand." I believe in honesty, but I also think there's overexplaining. A 4-year-old won't need or be able to grasp the nuances as an older kid could. Also, some kids mature sooner or later than others. That said, I think the clue lies in always having open channels of honest, respectful communication for when more complicated questions arise.

I agree about the lines of communication being open. Children need to know they can ask you anything, and you won't be angry or belittling them for their questions! As you mentioned above, there is a fine line between answering their questions honestly and overexplaining! Thanks for commenting!

[Brenda Creech]

I believe that parents should always answer their child's questions about sex. Parents need to remember to answer appropriately according to the age of a child. There are also many terrific books available for different ages of children that have great information and illustrations to help them learn about their bodies and how they interact with others.

I agree, age-appropriate books is a great way to teach younger children! Thanks for commenting!

[Brenda Creech]

Parents should be able to discuss any topic with their children, including the topic of sex, at least once. Of course, the details given to the children must be age appropriate. It might be awkward for both parents and children but think of this: should a child be the target of inappropriate sexual advances or should he/she be the victim of abuse, they must know they can open up to their parents because there is no forbidden topic between them.

Yes, we should arm our children with the knowledge so they know they can tell us if anything happens! Thanks for commenting!

[Brenda Creech]

I think you should be honest with children's queries and in this day and age educate them, as well as yourself, as much as possible. This of course does need to be age appropriate for the child but open and honest communication is key to any relationship, including that of parent to child
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So true! Thanks for commenting!

[Brenda Creech]

Parents should always be honest, even when talking about the birds and the bees. The older generation is more dovish on the subject of sex than the younger generation. With the technological race going on, everyone must be up-to-speed when discussing sexual activities with their children. If we are not, then the internet will do so for us.

Ypu are so right! Better the parent than the internet! Thanks for commenting!

[Brenda Creech]

I think you should be honest with children's queries and in this day and age educate them, as well as yourself, as much as possible. This of course does need to be age appropriate for the child but open and honest communication is key to any relationship, including that of parent to child

I do agree! Thanks for commenting!

[Brenda Creech]

I believe a parent should answer their children's questions about sex because if they were to learn it from their mate or another person outside it will be more dangerous. This doesn't mean parents should give a lot of details about this, it has to be a moderate and straight-to-the-point answer.

Excellent thought! Thanks for commenting!

[Israel10]

I certainly do think in this regard that honesty is the best policy when answering curious questions from your children regarding sexuality however, this honesty should be doled out progressively according to their current ability to understand.

[Laney K]

I feel like in general out right lying to kids is never good especially in an age where it is really easy to look up information.

[Hubre De Klerk]

I do agree with this, although age also does play a big role in this. At a too young age, I also believe this can create n curiosity that shouldn't be there yet, although, in today's life, children sometimes know more than I do as an adult. So honesty is definite, but look at how you word it.

[Salah bourouba]

For usas Muslims we. Don't have this problem because we are not allowed to perform physical intimacy until we get married. However I woulde definitely explain a general idea to my kids. It's better for them to hear from me in the correct way. Rathér then their friends or the internet who would have many outrageous ideas and temptation that i would be sorry for later. So I agree with the author very much.