Thoughts while ironing

I’ve just finished the ironing. As I did it I listened to Radio 4, “Woman’s Hour”. It was largely to with sex. It started with the question of sexual education at school.

I couldn’t help thinking of what little sexual education we had at my school. Admittedly this was the early 1970s when the idea of school sexual education was novel. We didn’t have any until the sixth form. By then I couldn’t help thinking if we hadn’t come to terms with the idea of having periods & boobs it was a bit late. That had started years before. Equally telling us how to behave with boys & avoid getting pregnant – mine was an all girl school – it was also a bit late since many of us had boyfriends by then, some were even engaged to get married, some already pregnant. It was all a bit of a farce.

If there is to be school sexual education it has to be started at primary school, not the end of secondary school. Most children become increasingly sexually aware as they hit their teens. If such education is to be of any value, then surely it must come before then to prepare them for the onset of puberty & the changes in their bodies & emotions. Otherwise just leave it to parents to choose the appropriate time for their child(ren).

Throughout this I was also aware of the onset of rain outside. This is maybe the day to test the kitchen door. So far all remains dry. Let’s hope it continues that way.