General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: My daughter has just finished her abstinence-only sex ed at school [View all]AnneD
(15,774 posts)sex ed in 5th grade (aka growth and development) and a hygiene class for 6th grade girls.
The abstinence class are a safe cop out for school that have to teach the kids something that; is not on a high stakes test (boy is that ever a misnomer), and something sued happy fundies can't object too.
All of my kids parents had to sign a release before they came in the class. I wish I had a nickle for every 'helpful' suggestion I got or grilling I got from parents over this. I always offered to screen the video with the parents but no one ever showed up.
I always told parents that I had a question and answer session after each viewing (boys and girls were separate) and that I could not be responsible for the questions but would give them an honest answer. I always encouraged them to speak with an adult they trusted-their parents, an aunt or uncle etc.
In all my years of teaching this subject, I got one call from a single mom that called to thank me for doing this. Seems her son took my advice and she said they had a wonderful talk on a subject that she felt awkward to address.
Most of my time was spent reassuring these kids that they were normal and that this was a natural part of growing up.
BTW, I told my girl the facts of life as was age appropriate when ever she asked a question. It did not make her a sex crazed teen-in fact, just the opposite. She was not active until her junior year in college. I know this because she felt comfortable enough to talk to me prior. I also knew that as the Nurse's daughter, all her friends would come to her for information-and they did.
I am glad you were their for your child. I wouldn't judge the class so harshly-it can be a law suit waiting to happen.