Marisa Calistro

FHS 2450

Question

OPTION B: PARENTAL COMMUNICATION

Why do you think some parents (maybe yours included) are hesitant to discuss sexuality with
their children? If you are not a parent, do you think you will communicate about sexuality like
your parents or will you approach the subject differently? If you are a parent, have you
communicated to your children about sexuality? Was your approach different than your parents?

The Birds and the Bees

Growing up in a single-parent household with my mom gave us many opportunities to

talk about sexuality, however, I cannot remember how frequently we did talk about it.
Throughout time, sexuality has developed more and more to where it isnt just secluded to being
sexually active, but the word has shaped into what a person identifies themselves as in their
sexual orientation. Parents assume that they can see the signs and understand how their child is
developing their sexuality over time, observing how their child/children start to act or dress to
the type of people they surround around themselves.

I think parents are hesitant to discuss sexuality with their children because its hard to
understand ones perspective of what is sexually pleasing when they have a perspective of their
own. In todays culture, people are becoming more open and more supportive of different
sexualities, even if they dont share the same sexual orientation. There are a lot of topics to
cover when it comes to ensure the safety of a child when their being introduced to their sexuality
and the possibilities of becoming sexually active. We all know what sex is. But sex is only a
small part of who we are as sexual beings. Even people who are not having sex are sexual
beings. And so theres another word that you should know and use too. That word is sexuality.
(Sexuallity Resource Center for Parents) Sexuality now defines a person, acting upon their life
decisions and goals at times. It is a beautiful thing when one understands another for the type of
person they are and accept who the person is, what they do, and how they act.

I am currently not a parent, but I am unsure how I would approach talking sexuality with
my future children. I grew up in a single-parent household with my mom, and we grew up close
like best friends. At the age I am now, my mom and I can talk openly about almost anything,
and we have indeed talked about sexuality. For that, I am glad, but when I think about my years
in junior high and high school, it wasnt a topic we talked about often. I feel in those years, they
are the years that shape and define a persons sexuality. To be honest, I hope my child will have
the same sexual orientation as I, which is heterosexual. It's much easier for us to talk about
what we DON'T want for our kids' sex lives than about what we DO want. (Michael McGee,
Advocates for Youth) However, I would not reprimand my child if they decided to be
homosexual or bisexual. My philosophy for life is to support someone, in this case my child, in
everything that they do, whether you may think it is right or wrong. They need to discover for
themselves what is right and wrong for them, and allow them to make something of the outcome.
If they need help along the way, a little push once in a while doesnt hurt either.
 Marisa Calistro
FHS 2450

The parent and child arent alone either in what paths they may choose. There are
various outlets to help support both sides, from agencies like Planned Parenthood to people who
have already discovered their sexual orientation and who, I have learned from personal
experiences, are usually very open to sharing their life story of how they ended up choosing this
path in their life. As a parent, you want your child to grow up well-off and happy. Talking
about sexuality with your child, whether it is about sex, their sexual orientation, their gender
identity, the sexuality of a person shapes how they take their day to day life and is so important.
Understand your child and dont take things at face-value. Really look into what your child
wants to be and support them in whatever they decide. The internet is a great resource to help
you, and your child, better understand sexuality and all of its aspects.

References

1. A Definition of Sexuality, Sexuality Resource Center for Parents, accessed June 6th,
2017, http://www.srcp.org/for_all_parents/definition.html

2. Talking With Kids Openly and Honestly About Sexuality, by Michael McGee, Vice
President for Education, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Advocates for
Youth, accessed June 6th, 2017,
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/parents/175?task=view

3. Human Sexuality: Making Informed Decisions; Salt Lake Community College Edition,
by David Knox and Susan Milstein, Published 2017