The new sex education policy requires that children start being taught about the birds and the bee’s from the age of five and It will be compulsory at the age of fifteen. Although any progressions on the topic of sex education are welcomed, perhaps 15 is a little too late to learn that its not the stalk that delivered you to your parents door. Children need plenty of time to learn about not only the biological components of sex, but also the emotional aspects, emergency contraception, lifestyle choices and a plethora of other important issues.
Sex is undoubtedly a huge taboo, but not talking about it openly is not the message we should be sending to our children, which should instead be encouragement to communicate about difficult topics. In a relationship one of the most important things is that you can communicate about any subject, no matter how awkward or difficult. Try to talk to your partner about sex with tact and sensitivity and it is probably not advisable to have a lengthy discussion about it whilst in the act. Many people become defensive about the subject because they worry about their sexual performance, but they don’t realise that avoiding the subject will only create barriers.
Many surveys have shown that children are eager to learn about sex from their parents, so start simple from an early age (eggs and seed) and gradually become more complex over time. When you feel like they are ready to start looking into the emotional factors then begin to introduce feelings and of course consequences. It’s natural to feel a little awkward and uncomfortable and the best way around this is a good sense of humour.