Sex vs Gender
Sex is the specific genitalia on a persons body.
Vagina canal, ovaries, labia = female
Penis shaft, testes = male
Gender is the identity a person feels.
Dresses, bows, heels = female
Tie, suit, boots = male
I'm currently reading about how the label LGBTQAI+ might transition into GSRD (Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity). The sexuality spectrum is so fascinating! It is currently being discussed with psychologists, counselors, and therapists in Britain, and written about by Dr. Meg-John Barker.
Sex education is a topic that needs to be happening as early as preschool age.
What to talk to your preschooler about- Age appropriate information is incredibly important here! This age is when you can start talking about how people are able to wear whatever they want; if there is a man walking down the street wearing a dress, tell them that it's ok! Start talking about how family structures look different: sometimes grandparents are raising their grandchildren, sometimes a family has two moms, sometimes a family has one parent. This is also the beginning of when kiddos may start playing with their private parts because it feels good; don't shame them for doing something that feels good, tell them that touching your private area is done in a private area. Learning age appropriate terms is important here too. There should be no shame saying the word "penis", "labia", "vulva", and "balls" (again age appropriate). Consent is important here as well. This age range is focused on learning right and wrong.
What to talk to your early elementary kid about-Age appropriate information is incredibly important here! This age is where we are continuing to discuss how family structures are different. Consent beginning to be more important because now they are interacting with more than just family. Continuing to talk about private parts in there proper terminology is important. More to be added..🙃
What to talk to your later elementary kid about- Some kids may start to go through puberty in elementary school and providing them with accurate information is incredibly important here. More to be added..🙃
What to talk to your middle schooler about-(on the way)
What to talk to your high schooler about-(on the way)
What to talk to adults about-(on the way)
To learn about sexual orientations and paraphilia's click on their links! More info to come! Always learning!