“They teach that
[sex education] in school. That’s their job. I don’t have to do it.” I could
see the relief on my friend’s face as she spoke these words and could hear the “Whew,
thank God that’s not my job” sighing between each sentence. She was relieved, free
from that dreadful responsibility.
We were seated in a large group of women just as a meeting
was beginning to start. She spoke her words loudly for all to hear. I remained
mum on the subject. I didn't want to challenge her thinking, even though my gut
was gurgling up so many come-backs I thought I might erupt. And it was clear
that blissfully ignorant was where
she wanted to remain. I didn't want to be a Debbie Downer and mess with her
bliss. No sir, no bliss-messing for me.
Yet, she was rearing a flock of children and to this day, I remember
her words.
Ah, those things we wish we had said. I can’t go back in
time now, but if I could . . .
“Ya know,” I think I would have said, “I think teaching kids
about sex is a privilege and a parent’s responsibility. Do you really want to
leave that to the school?’
And now, years later and with the knowledge I have about how
to protect kids from sexual abuse, I would add, “Plus, teaching kids about
healthy sexuality from the cradle helps protect them from sexual abuse. Do you
want them to come to you if someone wants to play a secret sexual game with
them? How can they tell you if you've never discussed the subject? How can they
speak the words if they don’t know the proper names for their reproductive
organs, what sex is, and what the definition of improper touch is?”
I’m sure my friend never thought past her own uneasiness
with teaching healthy sexuality to think through the ramifications. I
honestly believe if she would have known better, she would have done better.
And that’s another reason why this momma refuses to be mum
on this issue. I speaking to help you understand, so you can
speak and your children can be protected.
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| Image Courtesy of Stewart Miles/ FreeDigitalPhotos.com |
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