Teachable Moments: Creating the Climate for Getting our Messages Across
Provide equal opportunities for girls and boys. Do not impose sex role stereotypes or use sexist language.
Teach correct vocabularly, including those for body functions and sexual body parts. Be "askable." By far the most important message is not in your words but in your attitude: "It's okay to talk about these things."
Provide learning opportunities that enable children to learn through their own observations.
Provide a variety of resources that encourage children to discover things for themselves.
Tell children clearly and directly what is and is not appropriate behavior, without making them feel guilty.
Encourage children to tell each other how they feel and to speak up for themselves.
Help children understand the effects of their behavior on others.
Teach children that their bodies belong to them and that each person has the right to decide who can touch her or his own body.
Teach children that the sexual parts of their bodies are private. Provide nurturing touch that supports childrens' positive feelings of self and others.
