This is a sponsored post on behalf of AMAZE.
One thing I never considered when we began homeschooling four years ago was who would teach our kids about Sex Ed. I mean, of course, the obvious answer is us, but how would we know at what age which topics are appropriate, and would our kids really want to talk sex from us? The simple answer to that last question was no. Thankfully, AMAZE, which launched in September 2016, is available to help empower parents like us to be the primary sexuality educators of our kids, because just like traditional schools, homeschooling and Sex Ed should go hand in hand. Learn how AMAZE will help you have the courage to have open, honest conversations about physical, emotional, and social development with your children in a fun, engaging, and age-appropriate way everyone will enjoy.
Homeschooling and Sex Ed
I'll never forget the day our twins jumped in our car after a baseball game and I about passed out from the smell of them. Peugh! It was official, puberty had set in. It was time they learned about proper hygiene, and it was time we figured out how to help our kids feel comfortable with coming to us for the answers to the tough questions they were about to have about growth spurts, voice changes, and hair (down there!), and gulp….nocturnal emission. (Let me tell you, I was the last person they wanted to talk to.)
Introducing AMAZE, a website created as a resource for parents and educators to support all children, ages 10-14 years old, as they navigate the challenges of puberty, with medically accurate information. More importantly, each lesson plan on the AMAZE website follows the 3R's curriculum, Rights, Respect, and Responsibility, which aligns with the National Sexuality Education Standards, because we could all use a little more human understanding and compassion these days, especially when navigating the rollercoaster of pubescent emotions which may include depression, anger, and sadness.
AMAZE makes it easy to sit with our children in a safe and positive environment giving our children the opportunity to ask the questions they have, judgment-free. Best of all, we can selectively choose lessons that compliment our health curriculum to help our children better understand how their own bodies are changing.
But, what about younger students?
For younger students, ages 4-9 years old, AMAZE has partnered with the sexual health expert and author Deborah Roffman to launch the “AMAZE Parent Playlist”, to help parents talk with their children about sex, healthy relationships, and growing up, because it's never too soon to begin educating your child with factual information, whether mom and dad are ready or not, and before they learn myths and rumors from outside sources.
More than just Sex Ed
What we love about the AMAZE website is that it covers more than just sex ed, because let's be honest, growing up is tougher than it has ever been. Topics from the personal safety and healthy relationships categories include ‘Figuring Out Friendships', ‘Taking A Stand Against Bullying', ‘Being Smart, Staying Safe Online', and ‘Warning Signs: No Means No' have never been more important than they are today. And, while these topics aren't always classified as Sex Ed, they are important topics even the most vigilant parent may forget talk about.
While we, as parents, may not be the first choice for our children to open these difficult conversations with, we are our children's primary information source and we need to teach them that yes, you can have these open discussions without fear or embarrassment. AMAZE gives our homeschooling family the resources and support we need to have those awkward yet important conversations with our children.
Do you know a homeschool family who is struggling with Sex Ed at home? Share the AMAZE Parent Playlist with them, and have them follow @AMAZEParents on Facebook and follow @AMAZEorg on Pinterest.
