‘He thought girls had a Volvo’
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When your little, big prepubescent comes home with all kinds of questions about volvos and perno, it’s best to lend a hand as a parent.
Paul (38), father of Ruben (11) and Jasmijn (6):
“In group seven the school doctor came by. Ruben had been given an ‘adolescent guide’, a booklet about sexuality and changes in the body published by Rutgers, for him to read at his leisure – and he did so faithfully.
But because of his dyslexia, the terms didn’t quite get through. He thought girls had a volvo (vulva) and didn’t quite understand the meaning of perno (porno) either. Did I want to read it? Naturally.
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Daddy’s overheating
Once reading aloud, I was shocked by the rather plastic approach and explicit drawings. In itself it’s fine that they educate children so well and keep the chapters about the penis clean and wet dreams I managed, but I dropped out at the STIs, safe sex and self-gratification. The child is just eleven!
“Fortunately, my wife had less trouble with it.”
It felt like I had ended up in some sex shop with my son; I found it so embarrassing. For the rest of the book I referred him to my wife, who luckily had less trouble with it.”
Make it negotiable
Many parents find it quite a complicated subject, that sex education. Do you get chills at the thought? Or do you have no idea where to start? We give you a helping hand.
Educationalist Anna Jansen: ‘Children often ask questions and notice from your response as an educator to what extent they are taken seriously, receive honest answers and whether or not the subject is emotionally charged. So if you just answer honestly to your child, there is a good chance that he will come back later to ask more or different things. The most important thing you pass on to your child is that sexuality can be discussed.’
Anna Jansen gives sex education workshops to parents and pedagogical staff. Read all her tips here.
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