The children were never talked at, but always with. They were allowed to talk freely. Once or twice the older children seemed a little conscious on taking up the matter of their own bodies, yet after a few minutes as the other children joined in the conversation, they, too, forgot and overcame the embarrassment, and all went well.
The children were told frankly that some mothers did not like their children to know these things; that like the fairy tales and the story of Santa Claus, the mothers liked their children to believe that the stork brought them, or some other fairy tale. They were told that these things are not to be talked about with other children, and any time any child wished to know anything about himself or any question whatever, to come to the mother or father, but never to other boys or girls. These children were taught the necessities for the excretions of the body—that in order to have good health this used up waste food must pass out of the body or it would become poison and the boy or girl become sick and die. There was no hurry in telling anything to the children. Most of this information was told on walks in the woods, or at times when they seemed to want to know. One story leads to another, and before long the children’s questions will bring everything from you which you wish to tell.
The result of these teachings has been commented on by the school teachers of these children, who say they are so truthful, clean-minded, frank and open about all things that it is a pleasure to know them.
Every mother can teach her children the truth if she only knows it herself, and has the right attitude toward it. She can elaborate on this plan or outline as much as she wishes, but she must get down to the child’s world in order to make her teachings impressive and successful. The one unpardonable sin on the part of a mother is to let her children learn the truth elsewhere than from her own lips.
Chapter VIII.
Conclusion.
One of the most important things which a mother must keep in mind is to give only such information and in the manner suitable to the child’s age. Children differ so greatly, that it is impossible to lay down any rules as to what and how much should be told at any age.
Some children are very curious, and very receptive always, while others have little curiosity and even when told sex truths, pay little attention to the telling, or seem little impressed by it.
It is for each mother to do as she finds advisable. Children will often ask a question very seriously and before one can formulate an answer, another question has been asked on another entirely different subject. But the fact that he has asked the question shows that the mind has awakened to this curiosity, and he will no doubt ask it again.
Mothers, be prepared! Do not force any thing; it will all come in time if you keep close to the child in confidence. Just be prepared. When children are very young get them accustomed to the naked body. Let them run about naked at night, perhaps while undressing for bed. Let them bathe together or with you. If this is done very early at any early age you will soon find that his thoughts are clean regarding the naked body. You can then tell him the names of the different parts, for he will most likely ask, and his curiosity will often entirely cease. This is the type of boy who looks back upon life and feels he has “always known” the clean and beautiful of life.