Many parents are concerned over when to tell their child about the "facts of life." Some children need sex instruction earlier than others, even within the same family. Perhaps the best guide is the child's question. The asking of a question indicate that the child is ready to receive the answer. Even thought it may be hard for a parent to find words to express plainty the answers which the child needs, he should face the challenge and accept it as an opportunity to help the child develop wholesome attitudes.
In a broad sense, sex instruction begins in infancy. At this early age it does not consist of questions and answers. But even then foundations are laid on which the child will develop attitude of frankness and respect or, if the parents' influence is unfavorable, of inhibition and vulgarity.
When a child becomes old enough to ask questions, he observes how his parents react to his question. If they "clam up" rather than discuss the purpose of the sex organs, the child wonders what is the difference between these organs and other organs of his body. If the mystery remains unsolved, he is prompted to do some investigation on his own.
On an anatomical difference between the sexes, a parent can simply say, "Boys, body and Girls, body are different because boys are going to become men and girls are going to become women" Such answer, even thought incomplete, may suffice for a while.
