As a woman who was sexually abused as a child, I also prioritized raising my daughter in a sex poditive environment. She has such a sure strong sense of her own body.
Thank you for this. And yes! To all this. I'm the mother of two girls. My youngest, who is now 18, is extremely open with me regarding her sexuality. She tells me everything, to the point where sometimes I'm taken aback, (which is wild because I'm very open) but she says, " I can learn these things from you, or I can ask my friends. You're my mom. I'd rather learn from you."
So yes, as mother's it's our responsibility to arm our children with knowledge about their bodies, which will instill in them a sense of power and autonomy. Wonderful essay. I'm so glad you wrote it.
I love the relationship you have with your 18 year old. I think its super important that our children know they can come to us with all their questions and thoughts about their sexuality. Its a sign of the confidence they have in us. Well done Mama. I hope my daughter and I have the same relationship when she is older
This is heart breaking. I’m angry for you! It’s so much more common than people want to acknowledge. Your daughter is blessed to have your strength, thank you for sharing.
I was sexually assaulted by an older cousin when I was little. Like you, I made sure I was raising my daughter in what you describe as a sex-positive way (that wasn’t the language I had when she was little - she is a young adult now).
I remember when she was three she would climb into my lap, facing me with her legs wrapped around my waist and kiss my face. I remember being gutted at how innocent she was in those moments of physical affection, seeing my own lost innocence in her. It gave me a beautiful and painful opportunity to deepen my own healing.
We always had age appropriate books about bodies and reproduction and sex, talked about anything she/we watched or read that had to do with relationships (and friendships and gender and sexual orientation and race and bias and kindness - all the things!) as she grew up. We made sure we were a safe place for her and her friends to come to when needed.
I wish the same for every child and am so glad to know about your book. I think my local indie bookstore would love it if they don’t carry it already.
I am so sorry to hear that you too were abused as a child, and so glad to hear that you too raised your daughter in a sex positive way - even if that wasn't the language at the time :) I think the actions and meaning is much more importance.
Ah, the innocence of children. I love your description of your child kissing your face. My daughter loves to kiss me on the mouth! Raising children, especially daughters is definitely an opportunity to deepen our healing as you say.
Please tell your local indie bookstore about my book
It is astounding to me that in today's world people still keep silent about sexual assault and other matters related to sex, our bodies, our worries and fears.
Bravo to you for speaking up with grace and love.....
As a woman who was sexually abused as a child, I also prioritized raising my daughter in a sex poditive environment. She has such a sure strong sense of her own body.
I keep saying to people that raising children in a sex positive environment is part of how we reduce the pandemic of child sexual abuse.
Thank you for this. And yes! To all this. I'm the mother of two girls. My youngest, who is now 18, is extremely open with me regarding her sexuality. She tells me everything, to the point where sometimes I'm taken aback, (which is wild because I'm very open) but she says, " I can learn these things from you, or I can ask my friends. You're my mom. I'd rather learn from you."
So yes, as mother's it's our responsibility to arm our children with knowledge about their bodies, which will instill in them a sense of power and autonomy. Wonderful essay. I'm so glad you wrote it.
I love the relationship you have with your 18 year old. I think its super important that our children know they can come to us with all their questions and thoughts about their sexuality. Its a sign of the confidence they have in us. Well done Mama. I hope my daughter and I have the same relationship when she is older
This is heart breaking. I’m angry for you! It’s so much more common than people want to acknowledge. Your daughter is blessed to have your strength, thank you for sharing.
Thank you for reading
I was sexually assaulted by an older cousin when I was little. Like you, I made sure I was raising my daughter in what you describe as a sex-positive way (that wasn’t the language I had when she was little - she is a young adult now).
I remember when she was three she would climb into my lap, facing me with her legs wrapped around my waist and kiss my face. I remember being gutted at how innocent she was in those moments of physical affection, seeing my own lost innocence in her. It gave me a beautiful and painful opportunity to deepen my own healing.
We always had age appropriate books about bodies and reproduction and sex, talked about anything she/we watched or read that had to do with relationships (and friendships and gender and sexual orientation and race and bias and kindness - all the things!) as she grew up. We made sure we were a safe place for her and her friends to come to when needed.
I wish the same for every child and am so glad to know about your book. I think my local indie bookstore would love it if they don’t carry it already.
I am so sorry to hear that you too were abused as a child, and so glad to hear that you too raised your daughter in a sex positive way - even if that wasn't the language at the time :) I think the actions and meaning is much more importance.
Ah, the innocence of children. I love your description of your child kissing your face. My daughter loves to kiss me on the mouth! Raising children, especially daughters is definitely an opportunity to deepen our healing as you say.
Please tell your local indie bookstore about my book
Author: EXTREMELY well said!
It is astounding to me that in today's world people still keep silent about sexual assault and other matters related to sex, our bodies, our worries and fears.
Bravo to you for speaking up with grace and love.....
Thank you so much!