Sex education...for kindergarteners?

[clemsontigers23]

I don't have a link for this, because I saw it on the O'Reilly Factor, but a woman preacher wants to start teaching 5 year olds sex education. She says her church already does it. Barack Obama said in an interview that if he were made president, he would do that. Once again, another reason NOT to vote for Barack for me, but that's just me.

Thoughts?

[blacksheep]

Yes, this is something that all the democratic candidates said that they would advocate during the debate moderated by Tavis Smiley. You shouldn't be surprised though and sex ed might be the least of our worries. This is how we educate the next generation of Americans in the ways of Godless liberalism. They want to take the influence away from parents. I have 3 daughters myself, so this is something that hits very close to home.

[clemsontigers23]

Yes, this is something that all the democratic candidates said that they would advocate during the debate moderated by Tavis Smiley. You shouldn't be surprised though and sex ed might be the least of our worries. This is how we educate the next generation of Americans in the ways of Godless liberalism. They want to take the influence away from parents. I have 3 daughters myself, so this is something that hits very close to home.

blacksheep...are they in school? If they are, public or private? I can tell you one thing...I sure do hope I can afford private school when I have kids. One thing you have to keep in mind though, is, like I said, it was a reverend woman on there advocating it, so even private schools you have to research.

I agree with you on the Godless liberalism...the worst part is Obama claims to be Christian, although he does belong to a Afrocentric (their words) church.

[Andi]

Another justification for homeschooling. Thank God we are able to send our kids to private school or I would definately be homeschooling.

Woot Woot - to all the parents our there that are able to homeschool!

Andi

[Evanescence]

This is a part of our fast-food education system with many flaws. Its no surprise that some liberals want this, as well as other unGodly things that are causing social decay at an alarming rate.

While I don't believe in NEVER talking about sex...and/or educating kids about sex, there's a time and place and a purpose. It surely isn't in Kindergarten for Gods sake. Thats ridiculous...AND if parents object, they'd be over ruled.

Anyone think sex ed in school is OK...but at a later age? I do. When you're a senior in High School. This would help and protect the kids who have sicko-hyper religious parents that are paranoid of the word sex and never educate their kids at all.

Balance, Godly morals and spirit-filled common sense are the keys to bringing back a strong social climate to America.

Just my .02

[clemsontigers23]

E...yes, I would want children to be taught sex ed in schools, but by the right people...Christian people with Christian values, not those who say "It's alright to have sex if you wear protection." like the people at Boulder. I know Boulder's an extreme case, but homosexuality was also promoted in a school in Illinois, and I think we can include that in sex education.

Otherwise, I completely agree with you for once. ;) :P

[mindyhere]

I am dumbfounded. Kindergarten.
:eek:

I would keep my kids home from school if that happened here. Fortunately, we live in a very Christian small town, that has the protection of the children first and foremost on their minds.

My oldest son will be a freshman (I still can't believe it!! :eek: ) and he still hasn't had a sex ed class in school yet. He will be getting "the talk" really soon, however as I am not stupid and know that at his age, his friends are already talking about these things and he needs to know the facts.

What ages did you all have "the talk" with your kids - just curious - and hope it's not too personal of a thing to ask.

[Andi]

Balance, Godly morals and spirit-filled common sense are the keys to bringing back a strong social climate to America.

Amen E.!

[Evanescence]

E...yes, I would want children to be taught sex ed in schools, but by the right people...Christian people with Christian values, not those who say "It's alright to have sex if you wear protection." like the people at Boulder. I know Boulder's an extreme case, but homosexuality was also promoted in a school in Illinois, and I think we can include that in sex education.

Otherwise, I completely agree with you for once. ;) :P

I hear ya, but man we just can't have Christians running public schools. I believe in keeping religion out of schools as a means to keep it fair for those who aren't Christians...Jews, Muslims, Hindu's etc. Despite what we think of their religion, their kids can't be taught Christian teachings in public school. Nor, they teaching our Christian kids.

If we are to want our kids taught strictly by Christians, which I think IS a great idea, then private or home schooling is the only way. Its a tricky situation, either way.

[ExtravagantlyLoved]

I am no parent, but I think kindergarten is definitely too young. But by the time they're a teenager, I think they need to be informed. Because so many kids nowadays learn everything they know from their friends and various forms of media. Kinda scary.

My mom never was too scared to talk about this subject with my brothers and me. It never was a taboo topic. She talked about it some when we were really little. But she didn't explain everything then. She told us just enough that we had a general idea, and at our young age, knew that we didn't really want to know anymore at that particular moment. And I do appreciate her for doing that. Niether of my parents have ever been too afraid from talking about "taboo" topics. And I think that has given all three of us (myself and my brothers) a good healthy knowledge and respect, and we haven't really been tempted to go experiment.

I think no matter what age your kids are when they start sex education in school, the parents definitely need to be involved. The kids need to know what the parents think, because this is such an important topic. It doesn't need to just be left up to the schools.

But like I said earlier, I have no kids, I'm just 19 and I know that I have a lot to learn and will only really understand all this when I'm a parent. Which I don't plan to have happen for quite a while.

[EmmoGomer]

What ages did you all have "the talk" with your kids - just curious - and hope it's not too personal of a thing to ask.

Hi Mindy :D
We have already talked to Joel (he's 5 soon). I really think the earlier the better - it's less embarrassing! Joel asked us how babies get in Mummy's tummy. We told him. Why not? We're not talking condoms here, just the facts.
Joel knows we'd like another baby, he now talks about the sperm and egg needing to 'get together'. He reckons daddy's sperm are too sleepy (we've been trying for a baby for 3 years - they must be comatose!).
I have no problem with the FACTS being given to kindergarten aged children. But protection and homosexual relationships? - That's a whole other kettle of fish. Why on earth do they need to know that stuff yet.
We want to be as open with Joel as possible - no taboo subjects. :D

[kiwisongbird]

We've just always talked with our kids about it as they need to know... my boys all know about my monthly cycle as well, not a lot of details, just they my tummy hurts, I'm a monster and they should make me a cuppa tea!!!!! (or die!!)

Most kids don't need to know details, they let you know what they want to know - and how much they need to know - just chat with them, most the books are a bit cheesey (eg Christian ones) for us so we just chat with them....

But having some person I don't even know well telling my five year old about sex, um, no way!!! Guess that's why I homeschool eh? :) :)

[Godgrl Gomer]

Well Elijah got to see my tummy grow with pregnancy, so there were questions.
I told Elijah that Daddy put a seed in Mummy and the seed connects with the egg inside Mummy and God made it grow into Caleb.
He hasn't asked HOW that seed got there. Elijah is not ready to hear how. I think each parent should go via their child's personality and maturity. Elijah wont react well with how the sperm gets in the Mummy.
But I am ready to give details should he ask.
Elijah was very good and watched my tummy grow and spoke to Caleb through my tummy.
Elijah was present at the birth of our cat, Monet. So he was rather prepared and understood the baby in the tummy bit through that. I praise God for that opportunity because I honestly don't think Elijah would have been able to comprehend things otherwise.

I agree with Emily too. Preschoolers are extremely bright and catch on to things a lot better than we give them credit for. I think condoms and homosexuality etc is breaching boundaries. Kids are not as innocent as they should be and this is one example of why.
I dont know if I want my 5 year old told by someone else though.

[ausgirl]

We have a book at my work called there's a house in my Mummy's tummy - the kindergarteners just love it and want to read it all the time. It's not explicit in any way - just simply explaining about the baby living and growing in there - no sex stuff. Children are truely fascinated about this stuff - many of them are older siblings, so have seen their Mummy's tummy grow - they are naturally interested.
I subscribe to honesty in all things with children, if they have a question that crosses boundaries I know I wouldn't want my child being told by someone else, then of course I would tell them to ask mummy or daddy to tell them, not that this age group really asks specifics.
When I have children one day, I will try to be upfront with them, I think it is the way we keep everything so secret that makes children think sex is bad and wrong - when we all know, it's something created by God for us to enjoy as long as we follow his rules. And thus, why it should be the parent instructing their children and not someone else.

[EmmoGomer]

We got a book out from the library called 'Where Willy went'! It's not as bad as it sounds - honest!! It's about a sperm called Willy and his journey to the egg. Joel loved it.

[RevZeek]

As a children's librarian, I have helped MANY parents gather information to give "the talk." Most of them were really nervous about it...I can empathise. There are many very good resources out there that are (pardon the bad TV reference here...) "Just the facts" without any agenda, etc. Now most of them do show some pretty accurate illustrations of the male and female body.

I am appalled that they are teaching this in a public kindergarten. However, children need to be taught about these things. Girls AND boys need to be taught about menstration and other things like this before they happen so that they (specifically the girls) can be prepared for this.
Sorry if I've rambled a bit here...

[middletree]

This isn't as black and white as it seems. I agree that having the schools do this education is a negative thing. Parents should do it, and should decide when. Each kid is different. Perhaps some kids should be taught that early. For most of human history until about 150 years ago, it was common for young kids to know the birds and the bees. So it's not as if no 5-year-olds can handle it.

The proponents of this plan point out that many parents are not talking to their kids about sex, and the kids are learning about it from the wrong sources. And you know what? They have a point. The govt has a responsibility to try to educate kids when parents don't do their jobs.

The problem I have with this plan is twofold: (1) lumping all kids together and assuming they are ready for this talk; (2) when the govt conducts sex ed, it usually incorporates items for discussion that some lobbying group has asked them to put into it, such as acceptance for certain behavior as normal. But I caution that painting everything with a liberal/conservative brush is only going to muddy the issue. It's not about Right vs. Left.

[mindyhere]

Hi Mindy :D
We have already talked to Joel (he's 5 soon). I really think the earlier the better - it's less embarrassing! Joel asked us how babies get in Mummy's tummy. We told him. Why not? We're not talking condoms here, just the facts.
Joel knows we'd like another baby, he now talks about the sperm and egg needing to 'get together'. He reckons daddy's sperm are too sleepy (we've been trying for a baby for 3 years - they must be comatose!).
I have no problem with the FACTS being given to kindergarten aged children. But protection and homosexual relationships? - That's a whole other kettle of fish. Why on earth do they need to know that stuff yet.
We want to be as open with Joel as possible - no taboo subjects. :D

You are brave! I don't even remember what I told my boys about babies - I think I just changed the subject.

:S

I have a 14, 11 and 9 year olds that have not had any talks. I have not been untruthful to them, like saying the baby just pops out of your belly, or anything like that, just avoided the subject.

But it's funny that this post came up, because it's about to happen to my 14 year old. I recently bought a book called "What's Going on Down There?" by Karen Gravelle with Nich and Chava Castro that I plan on giving to my teen. I've read through it and I think it's a good explanation overall for boys. The illustrations are VERY accurate. It does talk about homosexuality, but it's a pretty brief section of the book. It does go into birth control.

I do wish that I had been more open with them when they are younger, as I think it would be much easier now.

[Buttabean]

Mindy~Do you home-school your kids? Because if not, don't be surprised if your 14 year old already knows what its all about and doesn't want that book. ;)

I personally figured most of it out by myself, and then asked the detailed questions on my own--I was probably about 6 or so. But I grew up on a farm, so that kind of stuff is learned pretty quickly from kids who have livestock.

I personally don't see anything wrong with telling your children early on. Kids can handle things a lot better than you think they are. And if you're afraid your kid is going to "dabble," if they know any sooner, you're wrong. Putting off "the talk" does not serve your children in any way at all. By the time you get around to talking to them about it, they probably already know. I personally plan on talking to my kids about it as soon as the opportunity arises. I mean, if Lifeway sells books about "the talk" for kids aged 2-5, it can't be ungodly for them to know that early, right?

And I certainly think that attacking a Presidential candidate and calling him non-Christian because of his opinions on it is down-right wrong. Back off of him, gracious. Who are we to decide whether he's Christian or not?

[EmmoGomer]

We're not brave!! I just don't fancy having THE talk when Joel's 15!! He accepts it all now and that's fine. We do emphasise the fact that it's MARRIED people. I know it's not the norm anymore certainly in England but as Christians it's our duty to guide our youngters in the right direction.
We are not so blessed as you guys - having Christian schools, or the money to afford private (which are no better from a Christian stance). It all has to come from home. There are only a few charismatic private Christian schools in the country :(. Home schooling isn't really an option either.

[Buttabean]

The proponents of this plan point out that many parents are not talking to their kids about sex, and the kids are learning about it from the wrong sources. And you know what? They have a point. The govt has a responsibility to try to educate kids when parents don't do their jobs.

The problem I have with this plan is twofold: (1) lumping all kids together and assuming they are ready for this talk; (2) when the govt conducts sex ed, it usually incorporates items for discussion that some lobbying group has asked them to put into it, such as acceptance for certain behavior as normal. But I caution that painting everything with a liberal/conservative brush is only going to muddy the issue. It's not about Right vs. Left.

Don't forget the fact that parents have the final say whether or not kids actually go to the sex-ed classes. Schools HAVE to send home permission slips to the parents, describing what is going to be talked about and how it will be presented. The parents can choose not to have their students in the class; its not mandatory at all.

[mindyhere]

Mindy~Do you home-school your kids? Because if not, don't be surprised if your 14 year old already knows what its all about and doesn't want that book. ;)

No, I don't homeschool. My children attend public school. And I'm pretty certain that he knows what it's all about already.

This has definitely been an area that I have failed at as a parent. I find it incredibly hard to bring up. My parents never talked to me about this. If a kissing scene came up on tv - my Dad would quickly changed the channel and the whole room would get tense with discomfort. I'm not blaming them - but my upbringing certainly doesn't help, I suppose.

I applaud those of you who have been able to do well on this. Maybe keep me in your prayers that I get through this "chat" without scarring my kids in any way.

:o

[Buttabean]

No, I don't homeschool. My children attend public school. And I'm pretty certain that he knows what it's all about already.

This has definitely been an area that I have failed at as a parent. I find it incredibly hard to bring up. My parents never talked to me about this. If a kissing scene came up on tv - my Dad would quickly changed the channel and the whole room would get tense with discomfort. I'm not blaming them - but my upbringing certainly doesn't help, I suppose.

I applaud those of you who have been able to do well on this. Maybe keep me in your prayers that I get through this "chat" without scarring my kids in any way.

:o

I certainly wouldn't worry about scarring your children. I'm not a parent yet, but I remember getting the talk from my parents (or just my mom, as my dad is REALLY modest about this stuff) and do not have any negative memories. Just be as laid back as possible, don't let their questions scare you (if there are any) and don't be surprised if they don't ask any. I remember just going, "OK!" and going back to playing with my Barbies. Parents are a lot more freaked out about this stuff than kids are.

I believe that it's better to do it early--that way your kids aren't all embarrassed about having it brought up in discussion; you know, the phase where whatever the parents do is automatically lame and uncool. :P :rolleyes:

You'll make it. :) My mother always said that her parents never gave her the talk either, and she didn't want us left in the dark like she was when she was younger. I can't imagine going through something like your first period (I hope I can say that on here) without knowing what the deal was. :eek:

[clemsontigers23]

Mindy~Do you home-school your kids? Because if not, don't be surprised if your 14 year old already knows what its all about and doesn't want that book. ;)

I personally figured most of it out by myself, and then asked the detailed questions on my own--I was probably about 6 or so. But I grew up on a farm, so that kind of stuff is learned pretty quickly from kids who have livestock.

I personally don't see anything wrong with telling your children early on. Kids can handle things a lot better than you think they are. And if you're afraid your kid is going to "dabble," if they know any sooner, you're wrong. Putting off "the talk" does not serve your children in any way at all. By the time you get around to talking to them about it, they probably already know. I personally plan on talking to my kids about it as soon as the opportunity arises. I mean, if Lifeway sells books about "the talk" for kids aged 2-5, it can't be ungodly for them to know that early, right?

And I certainly think that attacking a Presidential candidate and calling him non-Christian because of his opinions on it is down-right wrong. Back off of him, gracious. Who are we to decide whether he's Christian or not?

It's not just that, and I never said he wasn't a Christian, just that it makes me question it considering he's also a strong supporter of gay marriage, which would be the destruction of the sanctity of marriage that God set up, and a strong supporter of abortion, which is murder. You can't paint it any other way...it is MURDER. The fact that he supports murder and homosexuality is enough for me. Plus, if you've seen the church he goes to, they are VERY Afrocentric and even admit to being that way and it seems they put more emphasis on the black community than they do the Christian community. There are plenty of reasons why Barack Obama becoming president would be horrible for Christian values and morals in our nation.

As far as sex ed goes, I don't know if 5 year olds are ready to hear it or not, but I'd rather be the one teaching them. As middletree said, public schools are becoming very liberal about these things and it would be a grave concern to have them teaching kids things the way they see it and with an agenda, such as promoting homosexuality which we've already seen in a couple of high-profile cases in Boulder and Illinois.

[Valpo]

I don't have a link for this, because I saw it on the O'Reilly Factor, but a woman preacher wants to start teaching 5 year olds sex education. She says her church already does it. Barack Obama said in an interview that if he were made president, he would do that. Once again, another reason NOT to vote for Barack for me, but that's just me.

Thoughts?

woman preacher? looks like the advocate has some education of her own to acquire

[freakysoccer]

I think that there should be some sex ed. in school but maybe not in kindergarden. I think that the parents have the first right to be open and explain these things to thier kids.

[WeaselInYerFoot]

This isn't as black and white as it seems. I agree that having the schools do this education is a negative thing. Parents should do it, and should decide when. Each kid is different. Perhaps some kids should be taught that early. For most of human history until about 150 years ago, it was common for young kids to know the birds and the bees. So it's not as if no 5-year-olds can handle it.

The proponents of this plan point out that many parents are not talking to their kids about sex, and the kids are learning about it from the wrong sources. And you know what? They have a point. The govt has a responsibility to try to educate kids when parents don't do their jobs.

The problem I have with this plan is twofold: (1) lumping all kids together and assuming they are ready for this talk; (2) when the govt conducts sex ed, it usually incorporates items for discussion that some lobbying group has asked them to put into it, such as acceptance for certain behavior as normal. But I caution that painting everything with a liberal/conservative brush is only going to muddy the issue. It's not about Right vs. Left.


This. Agree with this.

But from what I understand, it's not intended to go into any details on the process. It's basically a general explanation. I'm all for it if this is the case, and as long as it remains so. Mostly because their main objective with this class is to help kids identify child abuse. Most predators depend in the innocence of a child who thinks the action being taken is a "secret" or a "present". Honestly, I'd much rather my children learn the basics from a teacher who can explain it properly than to have some older jerkface kid in the school bus beat me to it.

[Andi]

Honestly, I'd much rather my children learn the basics from a teacher who can explain it properly than to have some older jerkface kid in the school bus beat me to it.

Did you say "jerkface"?

I haven't heard that word since some older kid was teaching me about the birds and the bees on the bus in middle school! :eek:

:P

[sandyandporter]

Did you say "jerkface"?

I haven't heard that word since some older kid was teaching me about the birds and the bees on the bus in middle school! :eek:

:P

You kill me! :P

[Musicdude]

A pastor in St. Louis whom I listen to regularly over the internet talked about sex-ed one time. And he said that he went to the school and told the principal that his daughter would not take that class. And he said "if she wants a diploma she will take that class." He said "she'll get a GED."

I think sex-ed in schools is wrong at any age.
They teach sex as a merely physical experience, when it is really a physical, emotional and spiritual experience. They teach the mechanics of sex which any 12 year old knows already (probably younger than that in most cases.) They teach how to use protection, which if your child has to have a class on how to use protection, they should be in special-ed, not sex-ed. It's not brain-surgery.

Sorry for my rant, but this gets under my skin bigtime.
I think kids learn a great deal about interacting with other people, good and bad by attending public school. And I don't want to shelter them too much. But I just don't know. Private school is looking better and better.

[blacksheep]

Amen, Musicdude.

Originally Posted by WeaselInYerFoot
Honestly, I'd much rather my children learn the basics from a teacher who can explain it properly than to have some older jerkface kid in the school bus beat me to it.

Teach your kids yourself. I'm sure you have some understanding of the process, being as you helped make them. And nothing says you can't start as soon as they understand the language. We've had a few discussions with my oldest daughter (now 4) about parts on her body that belong to no one but her and how they are not dirty, just hers. She has no psychological problems to date.

[gratefull gomer]

I have fraternal, different gender twins (currently 5 and about to start kindergarten), so they have always been aware that boys and girls are different and have different parts and know that God takes a piece of Mommy and a piece of Daddy and makes a baby with it. They are also aware of what parts are "private" and that only Mommy and Daddy and the Doctor get to look at those.

[Andi]

A pastor in St. Louis whom I listen to regularly over the internet talked about sex-ed one time. And he said that he went to the school and told the principal that his daughter would not take that class. And he said "if she wants a diploma she will take that class." He said "she'll get a GED."

I think sex-ed in schools is wrong at any age.
They teach sex as a merely physical experience, when it is really a physical, emotional and spiritual experience. They teach the mechanics of sex which any 12 year old knows already (probably younger than that in most cases.) They teach how to use protection, which if your child has to have a class on how to use protection, they should be in special-ed, not sex-ed. It's not brain-surgery.

Sorry for my rant, but this gets under my skin bigtime.
I think kids learn a great deal about interacting with other people, good and bad by attending public school. And I don't want to shelter them too much. But I just don't know. Private school is looking better and better.

I agree with this. And knowing your personal choices regarding this issue, I would listen to your opinion anyday.

Andi