Do you have questions about helping your child understand his or her body and sexuality?
NICHCY has just updated an extensive collection of resources you’ll want to explore.
From understanding and caring for their own bodies, to making decisions about relationships, there is much for our children to learn about sexuality.
As parents, we are their first and primary teachers.
Learning about sexuality is on ongoing process - integral to your child’s wellness and sense of self. You’ve been teaching your child about sexuality - about what it is to be male or female - since birth.
Your child picks up messages about sexuality from other sources, too. Like television, advertisements, and peers. Sometimes these messages can be confusing or unhealthy.
Because you are intentional about nurturing your child’s healthy development. you may have questions about how to address aspects of sexuality. You may wonder when to teach certain concepts, and how to communicate them in ways your child can understand.
NICHCY has gathered resources from diverse sources to offer you insight and practical support for your own parenting decisions.
About NICHCY
NICHCY is the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities.
(It has retained the initials from its original name - the National Information Center for Handicapped Children and Youth).
Since the 1980′s, NICHCY has been funded by the federal government (through the Office of Special Education Programs - OSEP), to disseminate research and best practice information in support of children and youth with disabilities.
NICHCY is a trusted source of information for parents and professionals. Learn more about their mission, website, and services here.
NICHCY’s updated sexuality education resources
Just this month, NICHCY has updated it’s collection of resources related to sexuality education.
You’ll find articles and resources related to:
- The basics of sexuality and child development
- Sexuality and disability
- The primary role of parents as sexual health educators for their children
- Content to teach at various ages
- Materials developed with specific disabilities in mind
- Commercial products and curricula
You may or may not agree with all of the articles and resources offered here. But NICHCY has collected important materials from reliable sources, and reviewing them will help you to clarify your own parenting decisions.
Your turn
What are some of your questions and concerns as you help your child learn about sexuality? Are there resources or practices that you have found important and helpful?
Sexuality is a very personal topic, and there will be differences among us as responsible, caring parents. Still, we can learn so much from each other.
Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
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Graphics credit - NICHCY
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Here’s a recent blogpost from Friendship Circle with practical tips to consider: “How to talk about sex and relationships with a special needs child” http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/03/18/how-to-talk-about-sex-relationships-with-a-special-needs-child/