Educating in Sexuality
"Who am I?" Most of us may claim to already know the answer to this question. However, we may be surprised that despite all the knowledge available to modern man, many of us may be wrong about what it truly means to be human. This has become a particularly acute problem in the area of human sexuality and if many adults are in error, it does not bode well for the education of children. The Pontifical Council for the family sought to provide guidance in this arena by publishing the document: "The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality: Guidelines for Education within the Family." This document, written in 1995, is truly relevant today. It explores human sexuality in the light of two fundamental truths:
Man is called to live in truth and love.
Everyone finds fulfillment in the sincere gift of self.
These are very important truths that need to be engrained in the hearts and minds of all human beings. The primary place for such education, the Council asserts, is within the family, and parents' responsibility in this arena cannot be over-emphasized. Parents have the right and responsibility to be aware of the content of sex education programmes in their children's schools and to voice their displeasure, even removing their children when such content is contrary to the morals and values inculcated in their children by their faith.
The document provides important and helpful guidelines for parents on how to educate children about human sexuality, taking into consideration their stage of development and other factors which will affect their understanding of the subject matter. It also provides information on problems that parents need to look out for, both within and outside the home.
Every parent who needs guidance about human sexuality and how to impart this information to their children should read this document.
