Sex Ed in an Over-sexed World

[Thank you, Lori and Janice for your discussion tonight.]

Everything from vacations to pop brands is sold with sex.  Yes, sex sells.  We all know that. It's not so much fun explaining to our children why a woman is lustfully looking at a Diet Pepsi can or why a woman in a bikini is selling car wash products.

These aren't commercials saved for late-night viewing alongside more adult shows that are on after the prime time hours.  I am surprised that I haven't gotten the question about erectile dysfunction yet, but I'm sure the question will come up (no pun intended).

We have kids still in elementary school fully physically capable of creating children.  We need to protect that.  We have a culture that has cell phones with texting capabilities in the hands of 8 year olds.  I understand the propensity towards allowing kids the access to technology but having these unguarded it absolutely absurd to me.

I hear about 5th graders texting in class, kids under the legal age to have Facebook accounts with their information out there for the whole world to see, kids testing drugs, alcohol and sex before they even reach high school.

It's time for very open discussions with our children about how harmful all these things can be.  We don't live in a utopian society where these things won't happen to our kids.  We have to be smart.  We have to be honest.  We have to speak up and be the voice that our children hear.

We have to be the ones that guard them.  Use parental controls on your computer.  Don't let your child access the internet alone or in another room.  Your 10 year old does not need a Smart Phone.  If you feel they need a phone, get them one that restricts them to calling home, calling grandma and calling 911.

Be direct about the changes your child is going through.  Be gentle and understanding but make sure you let them know what kind of responsibility comes with those changes and the peer pressures they are going to face, if they haven't already.

It's time to be your child's best advocate, best teacher, and no longer hide because the discussion is embarrassing.  Tough luck.  You chose to be a parent so "man up" and take your opportunities to protect your child the best way you can.  They say "knowledge is power".  Empower your children to live the best life they can, with you by their side guiding the way.