At What Age

[spathiphyllum]

Should children learn about sexual reproduction, and should they learn about LGBT 'issues' and norms at this same age?

[Calicogirl]

I think kids should just grow up with knowing. I don't think there is a time to sit kids down and educate them as a parent. Just explain as you go along how things work in an age appropriate way, certainly that was what happened in our house, I can't remember ever not knowing.
with regards to schools, I think understanding that people fall in love in many was and there are many styples of relationship ought to occur from when kids first go to school, but the sexual mechanics of the matter should be deal with around 11 years old, probably the first year of senior school and that needs to be very blunt, very detailed, very health and personal wellbeing orientated, so kids understand simply and clearly.

[Old_Geezer]

I don't believe so. Information on reproduction and suchlike is a different subject to some not being the norm and having issues they need to accept. No point in worrying and confusing the kids early.

[SparklyKid]

Behind the bike shed and the odd game of doctors and nurses was my education. On a serious note I got some literature from local GP surgery when my daughters were about 11.

[ummmm]

When they start asking questions. Just answer them.

[Malachite]

I'm with Calicogirl on this and I don't understand why people get their knickers in a twist about it. There is no need to ritualise it and take a child for that awkward walk round the garden to be taught "the facts of life", I thought we'd left that mentality behind in the 1960s.
IMO info on this should be given simply and honestly as and when they ask from whatever age they are able to process information.

[CrapAtCryptics]

45

[ummmm]

I remember asking my mum what a *** was (I'd seen it written at a bus stop) she just casually told me. I thought it was the most disgusting thing ever!!

[ummmm]

Sigh!!
Blow
Job

[spathiphyllum]

Did she not use the word falacio, Ummm? ;)

[spathiphyllum]

If i had kids i'd do as said, answer question if and when ask'd and make them generally aware since they become themselves, generally aware.

But i was more thinking of the education system. Currently it teaches about sex education and reproduction. But should it cover LGBT issues in these classes?

[ummmm]

Nope...we're not that sophisticated :-)

[ichkeria]

That is the problem: you don’t get one for ages then two arrive within minutes ...

[Malachite]

Haha, I remember the five year old son of a friend of mine asking her what "\/\/anking" is and she just answered "playing with your willy to have a nice feeling" ...information accepted, conversation over.

[spathiphyllum]

I would have added, 'which you do in privacy' to that Malachite lol. You never know with kids especially at 5!

Ich that is jokes LOL

[Malachite]

Spell it properly Spath!
F-e-l-l-a-t-i-o (sounds a bit like a fleet admiral to me).

[ummmm]

Spath - I think it should. My son is gay and he really struggled as a youngster. He didn't actually 'come out' until he was about 16 but I always knew. There is no harm in educating other kids that some people are different to them. It's not contagious!

[hc4361]

My children absorbed the information naturally from an early age. They watched farm animals being born, asked questions which were answered honestly.
They saw farm animals being 'made', too.
They knew their baby brother or sister was growing in their mummy's tummy and their questions were answered honestly.
They loved their two uncles who lived together and were thrilled when they were able to get married in their 60s.
They grieved for their pets when they died so learnt about death that way.
Don't fob children off when they ask awkward questions, just answer in an age appropriate way.

[Calicogirl]

^^ Agreed Ummm^^

Admiral Fellatio Nelson should be a porn star Malachite :)

[spathiphyllum]

Ummm, i think issues such as homosexuality are easier to cover than those such as transgender, gender fluid and gender identity issues and how these can change and be affected with hormones and puberty.

[Peter Pedant]

you know the game hangman
you have one word and have to guess the letters

1963 we were doing Christine keeler ....

not thet any of us thought - oh yeah I will change sex and do that then