As I was reading the article FOCUS ON THE FAMILY published in TODAY newspaper, it reminded me of a scene from a mandarin movie titled “I Not Stupid 2″ produced by local movie director Jack Neo. In a particular scene, a boy and a girl of school-going primary level pupils were the target of their classmates prank. While in the midst of their school activities, the little boy and girl dozed off due to fatigue. Their mischevious classmates placed them lying side by side with each other. The moment when the boy and girl woke up, their classmates pointed their fingers at the both of them with knowing glances to the tune of “Oh gosh, what have the both of you done to each other”. In their haste to get up, the boy and girl accidentally bumped into each other and their lips met. More mischevious words followed. Both the little boy and girl conjured up images of the girl being pregnant and they becoming parents at such a young and tender age. Base on an old wives tales and what they heard, the little boy bought cans of pineapples and asked the girl to eat as much as she could. It ended up with the boy bringing the girl to the clinic given she was stuffed with pineapples causing discomfort in her tummy. Upon being questioned by the doctor, the two kids described the incident in the hope that eating pineapples would help the little girl avoid pregnancy.
Children do learn about the birds and the bees, more often from what they have heard or seen other than asking their parents about it. Perhaps this little sharing will encourage parents to discuss with your children on the topic of sexuality lest if a child may end up having a tummy ache by eating too much pineapples.
EXPLAINING TO KIDS THE BIRDS AND THE BEES
“Mommy, where do babies come from?” If your toddler has not asked that question yet – get ready! Too often parents avoid these tough questions about the birds and the bees, and their kids grow up confused. Many learn about sex from anyone else but their parents. The slang and obscenities they hear on the playground become their first real glimpse into the subject, and most of what they learn is either inaccurate or unhealthy. The best place for children to learn about their sexuality is at home, from those who care about their future relationships, as well as their moral fibre. The best time to approach the subject is while they are still young and curious. “The talk” doesn’t have to be graphic or uncomfortable, just honest and age appropriate. Find some good books from experts you trust on how to best teach your kids about the birds and the bees. And don’t wait until they stop asking questions - that only makes the topic more awkward. ~ FOCUS ON THE FAMILY by Dr Bill Maier.
