Parental embarrassment - consequences
It's really easy to tell kids where they came from.
It's easier, acceptable even, to claim you are too
embarrassed to tell them - with consequences you
might not have considered.
We've all heard people say things like they “nearly died” when one of their children asked an “awkward” question.
We’re not aware of any fatalities or even a minor injury from telling kids the facts of life.
However, the decision to pass responsibility for kids’ sexual development to others means their standards of sexual behaviour, values like trust and respect, and ultimately their sexual wellbeing are left to chance.
Sexual perceptions, expectations and behaviour are being shaped by the Internet, TV, magazines, and social media. Young adults deserve a whole lot better.
That’s the aim of the Incredible Human Life series - providing an honest, sensible insight into sexual awareness and behaviour, for kids, their parents and young adults.
Consider this: Embarrassment is something we learn, even if it is totally illogical:
If we talk about sex it is considered embarrassing; society dictates that. However, provocative images are used to sell clothes, cars or breakfast cereal. Highly sexual music videos are streamed 24/7, and TV programs promote casual sex. Sexually explicit material like this isn’t embarrassing, in fact you might probably be considered prudish to suggest otherwise.
Does any of that make sense? No it doesn't, but it's easy to follow the crowd and feign embarrassment … unless we think for ourselves.
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