I am certainly happy that my children are all finished what used to be school and has now become to some extent, re-education camps used by certain members of society to educate those of us that are not as “enlightened.”
Having read the booklet, thanks to the link provided by Ms. Jordan’s in her article, I will make a few comments.
Who really wants their 10 year old to be told by a stranger that, “Most people are pretty sure about whether they are a boy or a girl. But not always. You may be transgendered.”
This is stated in the first few pages of the booklet. In case you didn’t get it the first time it is repeated on page 24 with, “When you feel that you are in the wrong body, you may be transgendered.”
None of my children, who are now young adults, were ready for any type of sexuality course at 10 as they were busy being kids and playing. I suspect that is true for most children in society albeit I am wise enough to know that some have been robbed of their innocence too early by circumstances beyond their control.
As a result the public educators, not the classroom teachers, but rather thought control people working for various forms of government agencies are engaged in an agenda that has nothing to do with making sure the “kids” know what’s going on in terms of their own sexuality.
There can be no doubt that the government is engaged in “corrective value based education” to pre-puberty children because the thought control elements of society are quite sure that most of us won’t sit down with our 10 year olds and ask if they know whether they are a boy or a girl. As far as I remember I don’t recall parents ever signing over those right to the state as a default mechaism for values education.
Best of luck to the parents trying to save their children from this age inappropriate propaganda.
Joanne, you have written a wondeful story with great facts, when you sent me the original link before you worte the story it sparked a lot of conversation between my husband I and I, we are both in the same thought, that although children as young as ten need to know about their bodies there are certainly some parts of this booklet that take it way too far. By writing this story you have made local parents aware of what exactly is being offered in our schools and when and I applaud you in involving the community andyour fantastic website – thank you!
I think its good that kids do have their eyes opened to their sexuality and arousal, it is all completely natural and they will experience these kinds of emotions ans feelings and to have a knowledge of the ins and outs of how their bodies work, how they respond and expectations will stop a lot of ignorance, mis information and false scond guessing by the kids. If the girls are of an age where periods are more than likely to occur and if boys start to experience arousal then knowledge is a good thing. If parents want to shelter their children from the realities of growing up which is most instinctive and natural evolution of us as a species then fine, keep Santa Claus real and the tooth fairy but just consider the implications of keeping them in a fantasy child like world and then the confusion, frightening reality of being a human. Without knowledge there is ignorance and this applies to sex just as it does religion, race and sexuality. If everyone had access to more knowledge then prejudice of any person for whatever reason would be reduced. We adults dont think this is right, let the children decide. I for one would want my children to have more knowledge on subjects as sensitive as this than not.
I am glad I read the leaflet. I can understand that the ideal for most people raising children is that their children will grow up and be married or in a steady relationship before they engage in sexual activity-it is my hope for my children too.
Unfortunately, far too many children grow up in homes and environments where they are exposed to inappropriate sexual images and actions and not taught healthy concepts about their bodies and their sexuality.
As a teacher, I know for a fact that many 10 year olds have been exposed to the subjects contained in the leaflet. By 10 years old all boys have had erections and understand how they become sexually aroused. By 10 years old most gay adults will tell you that they knew they were different and lived with a lot of confusion and guilt. And the statistics are scary as to how many Canadian children have been sexually abused by the age of ten-by relatives, friends, neighbors, youth leaders, and church members. And sorry to burst everyone’s bubble-but some children are transgendered. It has been scientifically proven. The leaflet does not go into detail, but mentions it enough to let children who may be grappling with this issue that they should not be ashamed of their feelings and who they are.
I agree the best place for these topics to be covered is at home with parents. A teacher shouldn’t have to spend time in school dealing with these issues. But the fact of the matter is that most children will never engage in a healthy, informed and unbiased discussion about sexuality with their parents.
Look at past generations where the topic was never discussed- Did it ‘prevent’ homosexuality? Did it prevent teen pregnancy? No. My mother thought she was dying when she started her period at the age of 9. It traumatised her, and she made it a point to make sure I was prepared at a young age. Did it make me a sexually promiscuous young person? No.
I do not believe that this should be taught to boys and girls at the same time however. It is a sensitive subject and I do not think a healthy discussion can take place with the opposite sex present. There is no need for that. Ideally, a trusted female teacher should discuss this with the girls, and a male with the boys.
If you are going to take the time and feel comfortable enough to discuss these topics with your children, then great. Keep them home that day and have a healthy and open talk about it. But avoiding the issues will not going to protect your children from their feelings, thoughts and experiences. And something needs to be put out there to protect vulnerable children in our society who may be being abused, feel ashamed or confused about their changing bodies.
A final thought to all of those people (including myself) who are concerned about the ‘inappropriateness’ of this leaflet- most of the images on our televisions and in our magazines are much more explicit and glamorize sexual activity and relations much more provocatively than this leaflet. Is this leaflet to blame? No. I think there are far better targets for people to point at.
I read the material (thanks for the link Joanne). I didn’t find anything troubling in it, and I have 3 kids approaching that age. You have to admit you can’t control all the information your kids will find. Better that they discover this info supervised.
I remember in 2008 some accused Obama of being a pervert because he voted in favor of a similar program to educate children using age-appropriate material. His attackers suggested that the info for 17-year-olds was taught to 5-year olds (it wasn’t, that was a political attack).
When I thought about that for a while, I decided it was a good way to find sexual abuse cases that might otherwise be missed because the young children didn’t understand or wouldn’t speak up. For example, age-appropriate for a 5-year-old might be where it is OK to touch and where it’s not.
In response to……………….(If you are going to take the time and feel comfortable enough to discuss these topics with your children, then great. Keep them home that day and have a healthy and open talk about it. But avoiding the issues will not going to protect your children from their feelings, thoughts and experiences. And something needs to be put out there to protect vulnerable children in our society who may be being abused, feel ashamed or confused about their changing bodies)…………. How is taking the time to teach you child at home avoiding the issues? How could teaching a 10 or 11 year old boy that a woman’s clitoris swells and her nipples become erect when she is aroused protect vunerable children in our society? I don’t see excluding that information at that age avoiding the issues. Why would my son need to know that now? What benefit would there be? I think it is just gross! I think he needs to know about his body and what to expect as at that age they do have feelings and puberty starts. I think it would be much better for the kids to be taught separately at an age appropiate level.
With regards to the mom that intends to keep her son home that day…. I hope you understand that when he does return to school, all of the other boys will be sure to inform him (and with the utmost amount of sensationalism) what he missed. While I applaud your ability to have this very sensitive and open conversation with your son, If you do not cover all the topics, you would have to keep him home for more than a couple of days in order to avoid him hearing about it second hand from his eager-to-shock peers.
I think that all of the topics included are important, and should be taught. I do believe, however, that boys and girls should be taught in separate classrooms.
There is no doubt that this booklet contains some good material. Just because some of it is bad does not make it all bad and just because some of it is good does not make it all good.
Certainly there is an age whereby children should be taught the different aspects of growing up, including but not limited to topics about abuse and human sexuality. Howvere most responsible parents would not or should not take the default position that these things are better taught by strangers with value systems that may be different from their own. It does happen but I don’t see many parents steping up to say they are irresponsible parents and need someone else to do their parenting.
On the other hand I maintain that clothed in all the talk about teaching human sexuality there is also another agenda being promoted by the creators of this material.
Without being particularly direct I would ask what percentage of the parent population out there sat down with their nine and ten year olds boys or girls lately to tell them that soon there is a chance that they might question whether, despite the obvious, that they are actually a boy or a girl or neither. Then continue to advise them that by omission that it is as commonplace for a boy to think he is a boy as it is for a boy to think he is a girl.
That is not a conversation I envision has happened in too many household by the age of 10.
In response to ‘Concerned’ it is exactly that unhealthy and unbiased attitude I am referring to when discussing such topics with your children at home- ‘that a woman’s nipples become erect and the woman’s clitoris swells is gross’. No, it happens naturally to a body-women’s bodies aren’t gross.
I am also not suggesting everyone has to go into the ‘gay/transgendered’ issues with their children. More likely than not these issues won’t affect them. But there are children who will be grappling with these issues. And they will encounter people of various sexual preferences in life. I want my children to understand so that they will be more tolerant and loving members of society, even if they themselves are not that way inclined.
All I am saying is it is a tough call as to how much to teach children when. I would feel totally comfortable with my 10 year old being aware of these issues. Not to say all will be completely relevant to them, but the needs of all children in schools need to be addressed. I would rather them have correct information than be misinformed by peers and, God forbid, an inappropriate adult.
Also, no one has mentioned what a great leaflet this is in regards to health and hygiene. Only a small part of it has to do with sexual feelings and the sexual organs! I wish the boys in my class would have worn deodorant in high school;)
Also, I meant to add ‘Concerned’ that I did not say that ‘Keeping your children at home was avoiding the issue’. Please reread what I wrote. I said ‘Great, then keep them at home and have these discussions’. But do not avoid the issues. I also stated later that the best place for these discussions is at home with parents. Please read what I wrote properly before commenting.
I response to Hillie Farrall. With all due respect. I think maybe you should re-read what you wrote…..(If you are going to take the time and feel comfortable enough to discuss these topics with your children, then great. Keep them home that day and have a healthy and open talk about it. But avoiding the issues will not going to protect your children from their feelings, thoughts and experiences). ………Once again by teaching my child at home Iam not avoiding the issues. I feel that some of the info in the booklet is good and needs to be addressed. Hygiene, health, puberty. birthcontrol etc.
( it is exactly that unhealthy and unbiased attitude I am referring to when discussing such topics with your children at home- ‘that a woman’s nipples become erect and the woman’s clitoris swells is gross’. No, it happens naturally to a body-women’s bodies aren’t gross.)…. I did not say or imply that what happens to a womans body is in any way gross. But the thought of my 10 year old son sitting in class with a bunch of girls learning about a womans clitoris and nipples responding to arousal to me is gross. He is too young and there is no need for it. That info needs to be taught to the girls after all she is the one who will have the experience.. I feel as though my words have been twisted. I hardly consider my opinion to be unhealthy and unbiased. Thank-you. Maybe you should Re-read what I wrote before commenting!
Also one more thing to Hollie Farrell regarding…(Also, no one has mentioned what a great leaflet this is in regards to health and hygiene. Only a small part of it has to do with sexual feelings and the sexual organs! I wish the boys in my class would have worn deodorant in high school;)
I believe the article itself states that the parents agree with a good portion of the book. That it it is important and relevant at this age. i also agree to not teach it would be unfair to our children and teachers( regarding deodorant) They have a right to know about their bodies and how they work. It is only a smaller part of the content that some parents have a issue with. And maybe this would not even be an issue at all if the classes were taught separetely. Thanks.
I am a 28 year old and when i was in junior high they introduced the sexual health program in schools. They taught about hygiene, puberty, health, birth control etc….that was great,but let me tell you once the sex health teacher whipped out a banana and proceeded to teach us how to put a condom on an erect penis ….well not only did half the class turn red with embarrassment but for many of those kids who never even thought about sex that was the hot topic for weeks .I feel these things have to be taught to our children…but to have someone tell my daughter what happens to me when i am aroused and further more about how if she is confused about all these new feelings, which are normal during puberty she may be transgendered, is outrageous.. Especially if you are someone who is trying to raise your child in a faith and god filled home…..yes I believe God loves everyone but god made adam and eve, not adam and steve. and I dont mean to offend anyone with that comment but the proof is in the pudding.They are taking prayer out of our schools because it may conflict with other peoples religions and beliefs but this, which I am sure offends alot of people who have the same beliefs as i do, is ok? It is up to the childs parent to teach them about sexuality and monitor what they watch and consume…..and I know it is impossible to control what happens when your not around them but hopefully you will have created a healty home environment so your child can feel comfortable enough to come and talk to you about it .
I totally agree Becky, it SHOULD be up to parents to decide what their children learn. Unfortunately, many children in our country do not have good moral role models in their home to teach them these things, so how do we protect these children? The leaflet also does not make any moral judgements or refer to religion at any point. It is not going to influence the opinion of your child as to what is right and what is wrong, you as a parent does this. It is scientific and fact based.
I also believe that religions should be discussed and talked about in school. In the UK, the state school system supports a ‘morning service’ where the Lord’s Prayer is said, where hymns are sung and ALL religions are shared. Religion too has become a ‘taboo’ subject in Canada for some reason. To learn about a religion doesn’t mean you have to believe it, it just helps you understand others better. And the same is for Homosexuality. Just because you do not support it Becky, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. The leaflet does not make judgements about it being right or wrong. It just says some people do. If you think you can influence your children one way or another when it comes to sexual orientation, then by all means do. That is your right as a parent to raise your children as you see fit. I as a parent am very aware that my child will grow up to form their own belief and value systems, despite my personal views, and the best thing I can do as a parent is to teach love, tolerance and understanding, to raise a moral human being who will be of value to others in this world.
I believe I have been completely misunderstood by concerned, and perhaps I should have written it more clearly. I did not say that by keeping them at home you are avoiding the issues. I said if you do keep your kids home, make sure they are addressed at home, when you feel the time is right for your children. I support parental choice 100%. I am just worried for those children who do not have interested and concerned adults at home like you, Concerned. Or for children who may be in situations where they feel frightened, alone, scared or abused. Where do they get help from? For the sake of those vulnerable members of society, many of these issues need to be addressed and a healthy attitude towards them adopted. And by all means exercise your right as a parent to withdraw your child from that aspect of education, I am not arguing against your right to do that. I am just trying to support the reasoning behind the leaflet and the teachings being in schools.
Shock Value — My worry as a parent is that my choices are being made FOR me, whether I like it or not. You hit the nail on the head when you said “With regards to the mom that intends to keep her son home that day…. I hope you understand that when he does return to school, all of the other boys will be sure to inform him (and with the utmost amount of sensationalism) what he missed.” Exactly!! This is exactly what is not fair to me as a parent. My point is this: the school is forcing me to have to explain to my child information which I personally feel is totally age-inappropriate and unnecessary. The school is going to tell the other students this information and so either I must tell my kids this stuff, or face them hearing it from their peers! Talk about twisting my arm! THAT is not right. Why not do it this way….if you want you child to know more than the basics, then why don’t YOU as a parent teach YOUR OWN child whatever age-inappropriate information you want them to know at home yourself, and leave that crap out of the schools? Why is it that we parents who don’t want our kids to hear this stuff, who do not want the seed of suggestion planted that if a child is confused and awkward in their body then they may be transgender or gay? Kids that age are often confused, it is a normal thing. Why must we be forced into telling our kids information we do not want them to have at the age of 10? No wonder kids cannot be kids anymore….their young heads are being filled with far too much adult information.
@forcing my hand: school isn’t the only way a child can learn. Even if you don’t teach this information in schools children will learn it from other sources. If as you suggest, I teach my children about sex as I see fit, must I also teach them to keep that information secret and don’t talk to anyone, so that other children remain uninformed.
My children meet different kids at church, and different again on sports teams. My kids watch TV and use the internet, but only in a common area like the living room where they’re supervised. Unfortunately for you, I haven’t instructed my kids not to talk to your kids about certain subjects. You must instruct your kids to change the conversation if such a topic comes up. Good luck with that.
As a practical example, I did instruct my oldest child to keep details of Santa Claus to herself, which I think she did (though I’m not sure). I don’t think it made much difference to what my younger two know about him.
Any campaign to limit kids’ access to this information will ultimately fail. Better it be supervised access.
With all due respect Mr.Dillman I have not ever heard children on the playground talking about how a females clitoris gets hard and her nipples get erect or how her vagina gets wet when she is aroused. I have never heard children talking about whether or not they might be transgender either. But I guess I can expect it now with all of the new information about those things added to that booklet. I think if you are considerate enough to teach your children to be respectful and to think of others when discussing Santa Claus perhaps you could use that same approach with your children on this topic. Like you said, unfortunately for me you have not instructed your kids not to talk to my kids about certain subjects. Maybe you should. Religion and politics are taboo subjects in certain settings, and explicit discussions about sex are better suited to certain settings also. How are you going to feel if you take your children to church and they begin to talk about their hard clitoris, their erect nipples or their wet vagina in Sunday school? Don’t think it would happen? Why? Because either you have let them know that it isn’t acceptable, or they have enough common sense of their own not to do it. If your children are old enough to be taught such grown-up details about their bodies and sex, and if they are smart enough not to talk about sex and their body parts in church, why can’t they be taught to have the same respect in other settings and around other kids? It’s simply about having respect and consideration for other peoples rights too.
@forcing my hand: are you trying to enlist me to assist in your censorship? I’ll see what I can do, but I don’t believe in it myself. Regardless of whatever I do, I don’t think you’ll succeed in controlling what information reaches your children.
While I don’t remember any children discussing whether they themselves might be transgender, I can remember some children hurling homosexual insults at each other. Explaining that some people are different and that that is OK is a step toward reducing prejudice against transgendered individuals. And that is very different from not talking about it at all.
Not all sexual information is pornography. If that were so, how would you train a pediatrician without charging someone for possession of child porn? Pornography may be defined as (from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary) “material (as books or a photograph) that depicts erotic behavior and is intended to cause sexual excitement.” I don’t believe the material in question is intended to cause sexual excitement, nor do I think it depicts erotic behavior.
As for age appropriate, 10 or 11 is just before puberty. What would be a better age?
@ Hollie Farrell….no the leaftlet does not touch on religion or make moral judgements but it does offend my morals….and it does say in the phamplet that being transgendeered is ok…….and by my beliefs and what i will teach my child ..thats is wrong….and if you read back on what i wrote I didnt say I am religious…I live in a faith and god filled home….to me the word religion is gross…..Faith gives people hope in a world torn apart by religions. How exactly can you say this will not influence my child on what is right or wrong when it specifically states that being transgendered is ok???
at the same time we teach our children that even though you may not agree with someones life style, we are still to love and be respectful of peoples feeling and choices…and be tolerant…
I didn’t read that the leaflet said being transgendered ‘is okay’. I am sure it just said ‘you may be’ so as not to be biased. If it did, than I understand your offense. I think, for the most part, it is quite carefully worded.
We obviously all have interpreted the leaflet in different ways-which goes to show you how misconceptions occur. So no wonder our children have such varied understanding of all of these topics. But we are all different and that is a good thing-exactly what I think the leaflet is essentially trying to help kids deal with. To have good self-esteem and pride about who they are and that they should not feel ashamed or frightened ant all the changes happening to them.
I still feel there are so many other big concerns in society that we as parents should be focusing our outrage in though-the chemicals and asbestos our children are being exposed to in schools, the colors and food additives that have been banned in other countries that are still present in ours, high illiteracy rates, the media. There are so many more adverse things we should be concerned about-really, a 10-year old knowing the what the word ‘arousal’ means seems laughable in comparison.
I believe the information in this booklet is appropriate for these children. Our societies promotion of sexuality will draw the attention of our children before this learning tool will. Pulling a child from this class is not going to change the fact that your children are going to be interested in sex, no matter what. You would have to hide a Sears catalog from a 12 year old boy to stop him from thinking about woman. You can control the information the children are getting in school (not all), but you cant change the fact that there is a chemical boost about to happen in these kids. Cavemen didn’t need a booklet to know what sex was.
As for the trans-gender issue. These kids should be learning about this. Children are more likely to be more sensitive at 10 and 11, rather than at 12-13 years of age. Teaching this to a class of grade 7′s or 8′s will only cause a spat of rude comments, which will defeat the purpose of the lesson. Children that may need this information will be less likely to accept themselves if other students are not accepting as well.
@Becky, you believe being trans-gender is not ok. Is this a reflection that you don’t want your children to be gay, or have a different sexual lifestyle? I’m not gay or trans-gender, but have no problem if another dude wants to be a girl, or if a girl wants to be a guy. I think its funny, but it doesn’t make them bad people. So in all, it’s ok. Telling a child who may be trans-gendered it’s ok, will not make a straight guy wanna be a girl.
@ Forcing my hand, they don’t talk about hard clitoris’s in church to ‘anybody’. They don’t only exclude the children. They don’t teach about science or math in Sunday school either. They teach about a man in the sky. (Not insisting this is wrong)
You guys are gonna have a hard time raising your children trying to shelter them from this. Honesty is the best policy.
I agree with you Matt i Had my son at a young age and no info was really given to us until grade 9 witch for me was to late ! maybe teaching them younger with give them a better understanding and will make it easier for them to talk about these issues with there parents and maybe lower the rate of teen parents and lower the suicide rate of teens … See Moredue to being Gay or trans gender. It is all a fact of life and it is also a fact A LOT of parents will not or dont know how to discuses these issues with there kids and they learn it in other ways witch isn’t always best. My son will be 10 in a few months and i think it is a good time and he is old enough to understand and it will help him respect girls and him self.
Hey Matt. I totally respect you opinion. And on somethings agree. First off society will and does influence our kids. And we can’t protect them from everything. Nor should we try. That’s a part of growing up. And every child will become interested in sex. That’s how we were made. Hormones and all. We don’t have cable or use the tv other than to watch movies because it was garbage not just for the kids but for us as well. Why bombard ourselves with the crap that’s on it. Even cartoons are gross for the most part. The kids can watch shows that are good on the internet and enjoy watching their collection of movies. And they really are happy with that. Is that going too far. I don’t think so. We as parents are reaping the rewards of this.
I don’t think the issues is as much with what is being taught as it is how it is being done. In a mixed classroom first off. I don’t think my son needs to know about the reactions in a womans body to arousal at 10. It’s not even his body. So teach him what he needs to know apart from the girls. And teach the girls what they need to know apart from the boys.. Cause it is a normal part of growing up.
As far as the transgender/ gay issue. My kids already know about all of that. And guess what they love them just the same. They would never say it is ok because they know what the Bible says about it. But they know that God loves those people too and they know not to judge and have respect and tolerance for everyone because it is between them and the Lord.
If a child is mean and prejudice it’s most likely because that’s what they learn in there home. And of course this isn’t aways the case. But I think Iam more of an influence over my kids that anyone or anything else. And this is scientifically proven!!
Oh and one more thing Matt! This being respectfull of people choices also applies to peoples belief or lack there of in God. They don’t judge people because the don’t believe. But they will pray for them!
It’s about time that girls were treated the same as boys. We had to learn about erections, ejaculations and wet dreams. So arousal was ok for boys but what about me when I went home and felt those same feelings I was told the boys felt. Well, because I was uninformed (because I was a 10 year old girl) I thought I was turning into a boy. Kids think long before we think they do and sometimes what they are thinking (because they view themselves as not normal) can lead to a life time of confusion and self esteem issues. I say it is empowering to anyone who has questions about their body. The booklet helps those children who don’t have parents that are comfortable talking about the subject.
I think that it should absolutley be the parents choice whether or not their children participate in this classs… if it is not a part of the school program why is it presented in the school? If I choose to not have my child in this class, then she should not feel isolated because she is not participating in that particular class. I think we should respect everyones opinion on here no matter how they feel about it!! We all deserve to protect our children however we may want! This is a very private and personal conversation that I will talk to my child about, NOT some stranger teaching a 10 year old about arousal etc.
If this is not a school board curriculam, then hold a class in each community in the evening and the parents can drop the kids off for the information session, then nobody feels isolated.
I think this is sooooo sad we are even talking about this subject and 10 year olds! What next?????
I couldn’t have put it better than Joanne (Jan 6th) and Hollie (Jan 3rd).
Tolerance, Love and understanding should be the key concepts surrounding the education of our children especially when discussing their physical, emotional and spiritual growth.
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing as proven by the number of times I have had a link to this discussion sent to my inbox by folks who haven’t read the pamphlet for themselves.
Absolutely sure. I had a meeting with my child’s teacher. They are definately taught together. It is all taught by the public health nurse while the teacher sits in. If you have children, make an appointment with your child’s and find out for yourself.
As a single mom and raising my 10 year old boy on my own, I applaud the use of this book. My son has already indicated that he has “wet dreams” which I have to admit came as quite a shock as I did not know he would even know these words nor the meaning behind them. He has asked me why he is erect in the mornings, does it hurt when a girl bleeds as he heard a girl scream in a bathroom at school about it, how come some men do not like women, what does “queer” or “gay” mean,etc.
I am fortunate that my son feels very comfortable in asking me questions and I have the ability to respond appropriately. I did not expect these types of conversations at such a young age but that is the reality I am afraid. He is hearing some these terms outside of our home and I applaud the use of this booklet as another means of educating my child. In my case, it will lead to further discussions, inquiries and opportunities for me to educate him.
My fear is that some parents would not be comfortable to respond appropriately and make the child feel “dirty” in asking such questions which will inhibit their natural sexual growth. My son knows about “the talk”, and it has opened up several opportunities to speak with him about appropriate behavours, implications of actions, valueing differences,embracing the changes in his body. and understanding sexual terms correctly without feeling embarrassed. This is a resource that will compliment my responsibility to teach my child, not inhibit.
I do agree, however, that the positive impact of the materials contained within this booklet would be more beneficial if presented to the students by seperating the genders. The children at this age are still giggly, shy and will not engage in the conversations the topics are meant to provoke in a mixed setting. As a parent, I will ensure I am aware of the date “the talk” will take place and prepare my son with the knowledge that if he is not comfortable to ask questions in school, that I will always be here to talk…which I have been.
I understand both points of view but can only comment on my experiences as a parent and how I plan on using this as a positive opportunity as opposed to a negative. We as parents, choose how to raise our children, and if you are uncomfortable with your child attending “the talk” I only hope that you embrace that day as an educational opportunity to teach your child to respect his/hers own body changes, appropriate manner to treat others, value diversity and acknowlegde that at 10 your child knows more than you think so no sugar coating.
I read this guide and there is just a small section on female arousal, but a full page on male arousal. That latter information has been in the booklet for years, and apparently no one has complained. Why does a paragraph on female arousal have people up in arms? Erections are OK and female arousal is not? What kind of message is THAT sending to girls?
One that makes them objects for boys’ sexual needs, I suspect.
I am certainly happy that my children are all finished what used to be school and has now become to some extent, re-education camps used by certain members of society to educate those of us that are not as “enlightened.”
Having read the booklet, thanks to the link provided by Ms. Jordan’s in her article, I will make a few comments.
Who really wants their 10 year old to be told by a stranger that, “Most people are pretty sure about whether they are a boy or a girl. But not always. You may be transgendered.”
This is stated in the first few pages of the booklet. In case you didn’t get it the first time it is repeated on page 24 with, “When you feel that you are in the wrong body, you may be transgendered.”
None of my children, who are now young adults, were ready for any type of sexuality course at 10 as they were busy being kids and playing. I suspect that is true for most children in society albeit I am wise enough to know that some have been robbed of their innocence too early by circumstances beyond their control.
As a result the public educators, not the classroom teachers, but rather thought control people working for various forms of government agencies are engaged in an agenda that has nothing to do with making sure the “kids” know what’s going on in terms of their own sexuality.
There can be no doubt that the government is engaged in “corrective value based education” to pre-puberty children because the thought control elements of society are quite sure that most of us won’t sit down with our 10 year olds and ask if they know whether they are a boy or a girl. As far as I remember I don’t recall parents ever signing over those right to the state as a default mechaism for values education.
Best of luck to the parents trying to save their children from this age inappropriate propaganda.
Joanne, you have written a wondeful story with great facts, when you sent me the original link before you worte the story it sparked a lot of conversation between my husband I and I, we are both in the same thought, that although children as young as ten need to know about their bodies there are certainly some parts of this booklet that take it way too far. By writing this story you have made local parents aware of what exactly is being offered in our schools and when and I applaud you in involving the community andyour fantastic website – thank you!
I think its good that kids do have their eyes opened to their sexuality and arousal, it is all completely natural and they will experience these kinds of emotions ans feelings and to have a knowledge of the ins and outs of how their bodies work, how they respond and expectations will stop a lot of ignorance, mis information and false scond guessing by the kids. If the girls are of an age where periods are more than likely to occur and if boys start to experience arousal then knowledge is a good thing. If parents want to shelter their children from the realities of growing up which is most instinctive and natural evolution of us as a species then fine, keep Santa Claus real and the tooth fairy but just consider the implications of keeping them in a fantasy child like world and then the confusion, frightening reality of being a human. Without knowledge there is ignorance and this applies to sex just as it does religion, race and sexuality. If everyone had access to more knowledge then prejudice of any person for whatever reason would be reduced. We adults dont think this is right, let the children decide. I for one would want my children to have more knowledge on subjects as sensitive as this than not.
I am glad I read the leaflet. I can understand that the ideal for most people raising children is that their children will grow up and be married or in a steady relationship before they engage in sexual activity-it is my hope for my children too.
Unfortunately, far too many children grow up in homes and environments where they are exposed to inappropriate sexual images and actions and not taught healthy concepts about their bodies and their sexuality.
As a teacher, I know for a fact that many 10 year olds have been exposed to the subjects contained in the leaflet. By 10 years old all boys have had erections and understand how they become sexually aroused. By 10 years old most gay adults will tell you that they knew they were different and lived with a lot of confusion and guilt. And the statistics are scary as to how many Canadian children have been sexually abused by the age of ten-by relatives, friends, neighbors, youth leaders, and church members. And sorry to burst everyone’s bubble-but some children are transgendered. It has been scientifically proven. The leaflet does not go into detail, but mentions it enough to let children who may be grappling with this issue that they should not be ashamed of their feelings and who they are.
I agree the best place for these topics to be covered is at home with parents. A teacher shouldn’t have to spend time in school dealing with these issues. But the fact of the matter is that most children will never engage in a healthy, informed and unbiased discussion about sexuality with their parents.
Look at past generations where the topic was never discussed- Did it ‘prevent’ homosexuality? Did it prevent teen pregnancy? No. My mother thought she was dying when she started her period at the age of 9. It traumatised her, and she made it a point to make sure I was prepared at a young age. Did it make me a sexually promiscuous young person? No.
I do not believe that this should be taught to boys and girls at the same time however. It is a sensitive subject and I do not think a healthy discussion can take place with the opposite sex present. There is no need for that. Ideally, a trusted female teacher should discuss this with the girls, and a male with the boys.
If you are going to take the time and feel comfortable enough to discuss these topics with your children, then great. Keep them home that day and have a healthy and open talk about it. But avoiding the issues will not going to protect your children from their feelings, thoughts and experiences. And something needs to be put out there to protect vulnerable children in our society who may be being abused, feel ashamed or confused about their changing bodies.
A final thought to all of those people (including myself) who are concerned about the ‘inappropriateness’ of this leaflet- most of the images on our televisions and in our magazines are much more explicit and glamorize sexual activity and relations much more provocatively than this leaflet. Is this leaflet to blame? No. I think there are far better targets for people to point at.
” …….Is this leaflet to blame? No. I think there are far better targets for people to point at.”
here here
I read the material (thanks for the link Joanne). I didn’t find anything troubling in it, and I have 3 kids approaching that age. You have to admit you can’t control all the information your kids will find. Better that they discover this info supervised.
I remember in 2008 some accused Obama of being a pervert because he voted in favor of a similar program to educate children using age-appropriate material. His attackers suggested that the info for 17-year-olds was taught to 5-year olds (it wasn’t, that was a political attack).
When I thought about that for a while, I decided it was a good way to find sexual abuse cases that might otherwise be missed because the young children didn’t understand or wouldn’t speak up. For example, age-appropriate for a 5-year-old might be where it is OK to touch and where it’s not.
In response to……………….(If you are going to take the time and feel comfortable enough to discuss these topics with your children, then great. Keep them home that day and have a healthy and open talk about it. But avoiding the issues will not going to protect your children from their feelings, thoughts and experiences. And something needs to be put out there to protect vulnerable children in our society who may be being abused, feel ashamed or confused about their changing bodies)…………. How is taking the time to teach you child at home avoiding the issues? How could teaching a 10 or 11 year old boy that a woman’s clitoris swells and her nipples become erect when she is aroused protect vunerable children in our society? I don’t see excluding that information at that age avoiding the issues. Why would my son need to know that now? What benefit would there be? I think it is just gross! I think he needs to know about his body and what to expect as at that age they do have feelings and puberty starts. I think it would be much better for the kids to be taught separately at an age appropiate level.
With regards to the mom that intends to keep her son home that day…. I hope you understand that when he does return to school, all of the other boys will be sure to inform him (and with the utmost amount of sensationalism) what he missed. While I applaud your ability to have this very sensitive and open conversation with your son, If you do not cover all the topics, you would have to keep him home for more than a couple of days in order to avoid him hearing about it second hand from his eager-to-shock peers.
I think that all of the topics included are important, and should be taught. I do believe, however, that boys and girls should be taught in separate classrooms.
There is no doubt that this booklet contains some good material. Just because some of it is bad does not make it all bad and just because some of it is good does not make it all good.
Certainly there is an age whereby children should be taught the different aspects of growing up, including but not limited to topics about abuse and human sexuality. Howvere most responsible parents would not or should not take the default position that these things are better taught by strangers with value systems that may be different from their own. It does happen but I don’t see many parents steping up to say they are irresponsible parents and need someone else to do their parenting.
On the other hand I maintain that clothed in all the talk about teaching human sexuality there is also another agenda being promoted by the creators of this material.
Without being particularly direct I would ask what percentage of the parent population out there sat down with their nine and ten year olds boys or girls lately to tell them that soon there is a chance that they might question whether, despite the obvious, that they are actually a boy or a girl or neither. Then continue to advise them that by omission that it is as commonplace for a boy to think he is a boy as it is for a boy to think he is a girl.
That is not a conversation I envision has happened in too many household by the age of 10.
Oh to be so enlightened.
In response to ‘Concerned’ it is exactly that unhealthy and unbiased attitude I am referring to when discussing such topics with your children at home- ‘that a woman’s nipples become erect and the woman’s clitoris swells is gross’. No, it happens naturally to a body-women’s bodies aren’t gross.
I am also not suggesting everyone has to go into the ‘gay/transgendered’ issues with their children. More likely than not these issues won’t affect them. But there are children who will be grappling with these issues. And they will encounter people of various sexual preferences in life. I want my children to understand so that they will be more tolerant and loving members of society, even if they themselves are not that way inclined.
All I am saying is it is a tough call as to how much to teach children when. I would feel totally comfortable with my 10 year old being aware of these issues. Not to say all will be completely relevant to them, but the needs of all children in schools need to be addressed. I would rather them have correct information than be misinformed by peers and, God forbid, an inappropriate adult.
Also, no one has mentioned what a great leaflet this is in regards to health and hygiene. Only a small part of it has to do with sexual feelings and the sexual organs! I wish the boys in my class would have worn deodorant in high school;)
Also, I meant to add ‘Concerned’ that I did not say that ‘Keeping your children at home was avoiding the issue’. Please reread what I wrote. I said ‘Great, then keep them at home and have these discussions’. But do not avoid the issues. I also stated later that the best place for these discussions is at home with parents. Please read what I wrote properly before commenting.
I response to Hillie Farrall. With all due respect. I think maybe you should re-read what you wrote…..(If you are going to take the time and feel comfortable enough to discuss these topics with your children, then great. Keep them home that day and have a healthy and open talk about it. But avoiding the issues will not going to protect your children from their feelings, thoughts and experiences). ………Once again by teaching my child at home Iam not avoiding the issues. I feel that some of the info in the booklet is good and needs to be addressed. Hygiene, health, puberty. birthcontrol etc.
( it is exactly that unhealthy and unbiased attitude I am referring to when discussing such topics with your children at home- ‘that a woman’s nipples become erect and the woman’s clitoris swells is gross’. No, it happens naturally to a body-women’s bodies aren’t gross.)…. I did not say or imply that what happens to a womans body is in any way gross. But the thought of my 10 year old son sitting in class with a bunch of girls learning about a womans clitoris and nipples responding to arousal to me is gross. He is too young and there is no need for it. That info needs to be taught to the girls after all she is the one who will have the experience.. I feel as though my words have been twisted. I hardly consider my opinion to be unhealthy and unbiased. Thank-you. Maybe you should Re-read what I wrote before commenting!
Also one more thing to Hollie Farrell regarding…(Also, no one has mentioned what a great leaflet this is in regards to health and hygiene. Only a small part of it has to do with sexual feelings and the sexual organs! I wish the boys in my class would have worn deodorant in high school;)
I believe the article itself states that the parents agree with a good portion of the book. That it it is important and relevant at this age. i also agree to not teach it would be unfair to our children and teachers( regarding deodorant) They have a right to know about their bodies and how they work. It is only a smaller part of the content that some parents have a issue with. And maybe this would not even be an issue at all if the classes were taught separetely. Thanks.
I am a 28 year old and when i was in junior high they introduced the sexual health program in schools. They taught about hygiene, puberty, health, birth control etc….that was great,but let me tell you once the sex health teacher whipped out a banana and proceeded to teach us how to put a condom on an erect penis ….well not only did half the class turn red with embarrassment but for many of those kids who never even thought about sex that was the hot topic for weeks .I feel these things have to be taught to our children…but to have someone tell my daughter what happens to me when i am aroused and further more about how if she is confused about all these new feelings, which are normal during puberty she may be transgendered, is outrageous.. Especially if you are someone who is trying to raise your child in a faith and god filled home…..yes I believe God loves everyone but god made adam and eve, not adam and steve. and I dont mean to offend anyone with that comment but the proof is in the pudding.They are taking prayer out of our schools because it may conflict with other peoples religions and beliefs but this, which I am sure offends alot of people who have the same beliefs as i do, is ok? It is up to the childs parent to teach them about sexuality and monitor what they watch and consume…..and I know it is impossible to control what happens when your not around them but hopefully you will have created a healty home environment so your child can feel comfortable enough to come and talk to you about it .
I totally agree Becky, it SHOULD be up to parents to decide what their children learn. Unfortunately, many children in our country do not have good moral role models in their home to teach them these things, so how do we protect these children? The leaflet also does not make any moral judgements or refer to religion at any point. It is not going to influence the opinion of your child as to what is right and what is wrong, you as a parent does this. It is scientific and fact based.
I also believe that religions should be discussed and talked about in school. In the UK, the state school system supports a ‘morning service’ where the Lord’s Prayer is said, where hymns are sung and ALL religions are shared. Religion too has become a ‘taboo’ subject in Canada for some reason. To learn about a religion doesn’t mean you have to believe it, it just helps you understand others better. And the same is for Homosexuality. Just because you do not support it Becky, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. The leaflet does not make judgements about it being right or wrong. It just says some people do. If you think you can influence your children one way or another when it comes to sexual orientation, then by all means do. That is your right as a parent to raise your children as you see fit. I as a parent am very aware that my child will grow up to form their own belief and value systems, despite my personal views, and the best thing I can do as a parent is to teach love, tolerance and understanding, to raise a moral human being who will be of value to others in this world.
I believe I have been completely misunderstood by concerned, and perhaps I should have written it more clearly. I did not say that by keeping them at home you are avoiding the issues. I said if you do keep your kids home, make sure they are addressed at home, when you feel the time is right for your children. I support parental choice 100%. I am just worried for those children who do not have interested and concerned adults at home like you, Concerned. Or for children who may be in situations where they feel frightened, alone, scared or abused. Where do they get help from? For the sake of those vulnerable members of society, many of these issues need to be addressed and a healthy attitude towards them adopted. And by all means exercise your right as a parent to withdraw your child from that aspect of education, I am not arguing against your right to do that. I am just trying to support the reasoning behind the leaflet and the teachings being in schools.
Shock Value — My worry as a parent is that my choices are being made FOR me, whether I like it or not. You hit the nail on the head when you said “With regards to the mom that intends to keep her son home that day…. I hope you understand that when he does return to school, all of the other boys will be sure to inform him (and with the utmost amount of sensationalism) what he missed.” Exactly!! This is exactly what is not fair to me as a parent. My point is this: the school is forcing me to have to explain to my child information which I personally feel is totally age-inappropriate and unnecessary. The school is going to tell the other students this information and so either I must tell my kids this stuff, or face them hearing it from their peers! Talk about twisting my arm! THAT is not right. Why not do it this way….if you want you child to know more than the basics, then why don’t YOU as a parent teach YOUR OWN child whatever age-inappropriate information you want them to know at home yourself, and leave that crap out of the schools? Why is it that we parents who don’t want our kids to hear this stuff, who do not want the seed of suggestion planted that if a child is confused and awkward in their body then they may be transgender or gay? Kids that age are often confused, it is a normal thing. Why must we be forced into telling our kids information we do not want them to have at the age of 10? No wonder kids cannot be kids anymore….their young heads are being filled with far too much adult information.
@forcing my hand: school isn’t the only way a child can learn. Even if you don’t teach this information in schools children will learn it from other sources. If as you suggest, I teach my children about sex as I see fit, must I also teach them to keep that information secret and don’t talk to anyone, so that other children remain uninformed.
My children meet different kids at church, and different again on sports teams. My kids watch TV and use the internet, but only in a common area like the living room where they’re supervised. Unfortunately for you, I haven’t instructed my kids not to talk to your kids about certain subjects. You must instruct your kids to change the conversation if such a topic comes up. Good luck with that.
As a practical example, I did instruct my oldest child to keep details of Santa Claus to herself, which I think she did (though I’m not sure). I don’t think it made much difference to what my younger two know about him.
Any campaign to limit kids’ access to this information will ultimately fail. Better it be supervised access.
With all due respect Mr.Dillman I have not ever heard children on the playground talking about how a females clitoris gets hard and her nipples get erect or how her vagina gets wet when she is aroused. I have never heard children talking about whether or not they might be transgender either. But I guess I can expect it now with all of the new information about those things added to that booklet. I think if you are considerate enough to teach your children to be respectful and to think of others when discussing Santa Claus perhaps you could use that same approach with your children on this topic. Like you said, unfortunately for me you have not instructed your kids not to talk to my kids about certain subjects. Maybe you should. Religion and politics are taboo subjects in certain settings, and explicit discussions about sex are better suited to certain settings also. How are you going to feel if you take your children to church and they begin to talk about their hard clitoris, their erect nipples or their wet vagina in Sunday school? Don’t think it would happen? Why? Because either you have let them know that it isn’t acceptable, or they have enough common sense of their own not to do it. If your children are old enough to be taught such grown-up details about their bodies and sex, and if they are smart enough not to talk about sex and their body parts in church, why can’t they be taught to have the same respect in other settings and around other kids? It’s simply about having respect and consideration for other peoples rights too.
@forcing my hand: are you trying to enlist me to assist in your censorship? I’ll see what I can do, but I don’t believe in it myself. Regardless of whatever I do, I don’t think you’ll succeed in controlling what information reaches your children.
While I don’t remember any children discussing whether they themselves might be transgender, I can remember some children hurling homosexual insults at each other. Explaining that some people are different and that that is OK is a step toward reducing prejudice against transgendered individuals. And that is very different from not talking about it at all.
Not all sexual information is pornography. If that were so, how would you train a pediatrician without charging someone for possession of child porn? Pornography may be defined as (from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary) “material (as books or a photograph) that depicts erotic behavior and is intended to cause sexual excitement.” I don’t believe the material in question is intended to cause sexual excitement, nor do I think it depicts erotic behavior.
As for age appropriate, 10 or 11 is just before puberty. What would be a better age?
@ Hollie Farrell….no the leaftlet does not touch on religion or make moral judgements but it does offend my morals….and it does say in the phamplet that being transgendeered is ok…….and by my beliefs and what i will teach my child ..thats is wrong….and if you read back on what i wrote I didnt say I am religious…I live in a faith and god filled home….to me the word religion is gross…..Faith gives people hope in a world torn apart by religions. How exactly can you say this will not influence my child on what is right or wrong when it specifically states that being transgendered is ok???
at the same time we teach our children that even though you may not agree with someones life style, we are still to love and be respectful of peoples feeling and choices…and be tolerant…
I didn’t read that the leaflet said being transgendered ‘is okay’. I am sure it just said ‘you may be’ so as not to be biased. If it did, than I understand your offense. I think, for the most part, it is quite carefully worded.
We obviously all have interpreted the leaflet in different ways-which goes to show you how misconceptions occur. So no wonder our children have such varied understanding of all of these topics. But we are all different and that is a good thing-exactly what I think the leaflet is essentially trying to help kids deal with. To have good self-esteem and pride about who they are and that they should not feel ashamed or frightened ant all the changes happening to them.
I still feel there are so many other big concerns in society that we as parents should be focusing our outrage in though-the chemicals and asbestos our children are being exposed to in schools, the colors and food additives that have been banned in other countries that are still present in ours, high illiteracy rates, the media. There are so many more adverse things we should be concerned about-really, a 10-year old knowing the what the word ‘arousal’ means seems laughable in comparison.
I believe the information in this booklet is appropriate for these children. Our societies promotion of sexuality will draw the attention of our children before this learning tool will. Pulling a child from this class is not going to change the fact that your children are going to be interested in sex, no matter what. You would have to hide a Sears catalog from a 12 year old boy to stop him from thinking about woman. You can control the information the children are getting in school (not all), but you cant change the fact that there is a chemical boost about to happen in these kids. Cavemen didn’t need a booklet to know what sex was.
As for the trans-gender issue. These kids should be learning about this. Children are more likely to be more sensitive at 10 and 11, rather than at 12-13 years of age. Teaching this to a class of grade 7′s or 8′s will only cause a spat of rude comments, which will defeat the purpose of the lesson. Children that may need this information will be less likely to accept themselves if other students are not accepting as well.
@Becky, you believe being trans-gender is not ok. Is this a reflection that you don’t want your children to be gay, or have a different sexual lifestyle? I’m not gay or trans-gender, but have no problem if another dude wants to be a girl, or if a girl wants to be a guy. I think its funny, but it doesn’t make them bad people. So in all, it’s ok. Telling a child who may be trans-gendered it’s ok, will not make a straight guy wanna be a girl.
@ Forcing my hand, they don’t talk about hard clitoris’s in church to ‘anybody’. They don’t only exclude the children. They don’t teach about science or math in Sunday school either. They teach about a man in the sky. (Not insisting this is wrong)
You guys are gonna have a hard time raising your children trying to shelter them from this. Honesty is the best policy.
I agree with you Matt i Had my son at a young age and no info was really given to us until grade 9 witch for me was to late ! maybe teaching them younger with give them a better understanding and will make it easier for them to talk about these issues with there parents and maybe lower the rate of teen parents and lower the suicide rate of teens … See Moredue to being Gay or trans gender. It is all a fact of life and it is also a fact A LOT of parents will not or dont know how to discuses these issues with there kids and they learn it in other ways witch isn’t always best. My son will be 10 in a few months and i think it is a good time and he is old enough to understand and it will help him respect girls and him self.
Hey Matt. I totally respect you opinion. And on somethings agree. First off society will and does influence our kids. And we can’t protect them from everything. Nor should we try. That’s a part of growing up. And every child will become interested in sex. That’s how we were made. Hormones and all. We don’t have cable or use the tv other than to watch movies because it was garbage not just for the kids but for us as well. Why bombard ourselves with the crap that’s on it. Even cartoons are gross for the most part. The kids can watch shows that are good on the internet and enjoy watching their collection of movies. And they really are happy with that. Is that going too far. I don’t think so. We as parents are reaping the rewards of this.
I don’t think the issues is as much with what is being taught as it is how it is being done. In a mixed classroom first off. I don’t think my son needs to know about the reactions in a womans body to arousal at 10. It’s not even his body. So teach him what he needs to know apart from the girls. And teach the girls what they need to know apart from the boys.. Cause it is a normal part of growing up.
As far as the transgender/ gay issue. My kids already know about all of that. And guess what they love them just the same. They would never say it is ok because they know what the Bible says about it. But they know that God loves those people too and they know not to judge and have respect and tolerance for everyone because it is between them and the Lord.
If a child is mean and prejudice it’s most likely because that’s what they learn in there home. And of course this isn’t aways the case. But I think Iam more of an influence over my kids that anyone or anything else. And this is scientifically proven!!
Oh and one more thing Matt! This being respectfull of people choices also applies to peoples belief or lack there of in God. They don’t judge people because the don’t believe. But they will pray for them!
YOU GO HOLLY….TELL HIM!!!
It’s about time that girls were treated the same as boys. We had to learn about erections, ejaculations and wet dreams. So arousal was ok for boys but what about me when I went home and felt those same feelings I was told the boys felt. Well, because I was uninformed (because I was a 10 year old girl) I thought I was turning into a boy. Kids think long before we think they do and sometimes what they are thinking (because they view themselves as not normal) can lead to a life time of confusion and self esteem issues. I say it is empowering to anyone who has questions about their body. The booklet helps those children who don’t have parents that are comfortable talking about the subject.
I think that it should absolutley be the parents choice whether or not their children participate in this classs… if it is not a part of the school program why is it presented in the school? If I choose to not have my child in this class, then she should not feel isolated because she is not participating in that particular class. I think we should respect everyones opinion on here no matter how they feel about it!! We all deserve to protect our children however we may want! This is a very private and personal conversation that I will talk to my child about, NOT some stranger teaching a 10 year old about arousal etc.
If this is not a school board curriculam, then hold a class in each community in the evening and the parents can drop the kids off for the information session, then nobody feels isolated.
I think this is sooooo sad we are even talking about this subject and 10 year olds! What next?????
I couldn’t have put it better than Joanne (Jan 6th) and Hollie (Jan 3rd).
Tolerance, Love and understanding should be the key concepts surrounding the education of our children especially when discussing their physical, emotional and spiritual growth.
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing as proven by the number of times I have had a link to this discussion sent to my inbox by folks who haven’t read the pamphlet for themselves.
Are we sure that the kids are taught together in the classroom? I’m pretty sure the boys and girls are seperated during the presentation.
Absolutely sure. I had a meeting with my child’s teacher. They are definately taught together. It is all taught by the public health nurse while the teacher sits in. If you have children, make an appointment with your child’s and find out for yourself.
As a single mom and raising my 10 year old boy on my own, I applaud the use of this book. My son has already indicated that he has “wet dreams” which I have to admit came as quite a shock as I did not know he would even know these words nor the meaning behind them. He has asked me why he is erect in the mornings, does it hurt when a girl bleeds as he heard a girl scream in a bathroom at school about it, how come some men do not like women, what does “queer” or “gay” mean,etc.
I am fortunate that my son feels very comfortable in asking me questions and I have the ability to respond appropriately. I did not expect these types of conversations at such a young age but that is the reality I am afraid. He is hearing some these terms outside of our home and I applaud the use of this booklet as another means of educating my child. In my case, it will lead to further discussions, inquiries and opportunities for me to educate him.
My fear is that some parents would not be comfortable to respond appropriately and make the child feel “dirty” in asking such questions which will inhibit their natural sexual growth. My son knows about “the talk”, and it has opened up several opportunities to speak with him about appropriate behavours, implications of actions, valueing differences,embracing the changes in his body. and understanding sexual terms correctly without feeling embarrassed. This is a resource that will compliment my responsibility to teach my child, not inhibit.
I do agree, however, that the positive impact of the materials contained within this booklet would be more beneficial if presented to the students by seperating the genders. The children at this age are still giggly, shy and will not engage in the conversations the topics are meant to provoke in a mixed setting. As a parent, I will ensure I am aware of the date “the talk” will take place and prepare my son with the knowledge that if he is not comfortable to ask questions in school, that I will always be here to talk…which I have been.
I understand both points of view but can only comment on my experiences as a parent and how I plan on using this as a positive opportunity as opposed to a negative. We as parents, choose how to raise our children, and if you are uncomfortable with your child attending “the talk” I only hope that you embrace that day as an educational opportunity to teach your child to respect his/hers own body changes, appropriate manner to treat others, value diversity and acknowlegde that at 10 your child knows more than you think so no sugar coating.
Just my two cents worth.
Wow, it took The Chronicle Horrid a whole month to pretty much repeat what this article says.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1165063.html
I read this guide and there is just a small section on female arousal, but a full page on male arousal. That latter information has been in the booklet for years, and apparently no one has complained. Why does a paragraph on female arousal have people up in arms? Erections are OK and female arousal is not? What kind of message is THAT sending to girls?
One that makes them objects for boys’ sexual needs, I suspect.