The Enterprise

All I know about the Farmington Schools’ new sex education program is what I read in the papers. And what an interesting article it was.

You don’t often see the words “Condom Line Up” and “penis model” in a family newspaper like the Farmington Observer.

As a parent, I had no problem with schools teaching medically accurate sex education that included information about contraception. As a grandparent, I still have no problem with schools teaching medically accurate sex education that includes information about contraception. I just don’t think it should include condom application activities with catchy names and board games. No, I’m not a prude. I’m someone who believes sex isn’t a game.

That’s the impression left by a board game called “Sex and Consequences.” Sounds more like Bob Barker’s coming out of retirement than an educational tool.

Instead of trying to appeal to kids, why don’t we start being the grown-ups? Show them reality, a life outside the classroom. A life outside anything they believe will happen to them.

Bring in a recently divorced mother who thought her marriage would last forever and ask her to talk about her day. Have her change a soiled diaper and try to comfort a teething baby.

Bring in a young man whose college education or career took a detour to parenthood when his girlfriend sued him for child support. Ask a doctor who specializes in treating sexually transmitted diseases talk about the life-threatening consequences of unprotected sex.

But don’t make it a game. Kids don’t need games to get their attention. They need teachers and parents to start speaking and acting with authority.

–Joni Hubred-Golden
Michigan Woman Blogger