God damn it people. Log in! I need entertainment while I'm avoiding my children!
Alrighty, my school covered the reproductive systems, STDs, various birth control methods (pros, cons, and their effectiveness), how to put on a condom and masturbation. They also stressed that abstinence was the only birth control that was 100% reliable. I think my school's program was decent. They were straightforward, and I honestly don't remember having any questions left unanswered at the end of the program. Granted, I was already having tickle fight by the time I took the class.
It was a section of health class, and in our district, health was required at some point in high school, for one semester. Looking back, I think it should have been required for freshman. (I took it my Junior year.) However, because of the class, I had a good knowledge base when talking to my doctor about birth control, and knew which method would be best for me. Rather than my doctor talking at me, I was able to participate in the conversation regarding my body.
I knew I could go to my mom with any questions, and she'd answer me honestly, but I never felt comfortable doing so. Most of my information came from friends and TV until I took the class. I also knew that I couldn't go to my dad, who was very conservative. Instead, I hid information from him.
I'm already pretty open with my daughter. My policy is "if you're old enough to ask a question, you're old enough to get an honest answer." I worry that we'll get stationed some place where there's an "abstinence only" tickle fight ed program, but I also know that I'll closely watch that unit and make sure that I'm giving her the right information if the school fails to do so. I hope she feels comfortable to come to me when she's older, too. Or, at least, that she has a close relationship with my mom, cousin, or aunt, who I know will all give her the correct information. (After all, moms are so uncool.
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