Children and Priorities
Two things should be said about the children in this discussion of sex and marriage. First, they should be in the proper place in the line of priorities. Our husbands must come first and the children after that. Some women put the children ahead of the husband; then when the children are grown and gone, the husband and wife have no basis for communication with each other. Second, our home is where our children first pick up attitudes concerning sex. The best sex education they can receive is to know that Mother and Dad love each other and to see this love expressed in tender, considerate ways.
Here is an example to show how a child’s attitudes are influenced: Suppose that you are standing at the kitchen range preparing supper, and your husband walks by and pats you on the behind. You turn around and in a rebuking tone say, “Quit that!” Little Johnny and Susie, playing nearby, observe what has taken place. Do you see the lesson they have just learned? But now let’s play the scene again. Suppose your husband walks by and pats you on the behind, and you turn around and grin at him, maybe reach out, and both of you put your arms around each other and exchange a kiss. He goes over to sit down and read the newspaper, and you hum a little tune while stirring the food. What a different lesson the children have just learned!
Yes, your children will observe your actions and absorb your attitudes. If they see that you and your husband have a warm, demonstrative relationship between you, they will be more likely to grow up to be affectionate themselves and to have a healthy attitude about sex. Perhaps later on you will have the privilege of helping to prepare them for marriage.
Posted in Attitudes and Communication
To Ed Wheat Sr. and Gladys Gibson Wheat, whose commitment, devotion, warmth, generosity, and integrity stood for fifty years as a beautiful picture of genuine agape love.