In the second episode of Sexually Speaking, host Melanie Ramey, a sex educator and therapist, talks about the importance of addressing sexuality in child-rearing. Helping children understand that their sexuality is natural, good, and definitely nothing to be ashamed of is key to healthy development. Melanie discusses brain development and what babies actually absorb in their early years that leave a lasting impact all their lives.
“The main thing the child needs is love” according to Melanie. The most lasting impact on a child is love and the attention of caregivers. They also imprint the ways that caregivers interact with their bodies. If genitalia is treated as something naughty or forbidden, the child grows up with a negative impression of that part of the body. Melanie explores why skin-to-skin contact is so key for babies in terms of positive reinforcement and she dives into why it’s important to teach children the proper names for body parts and functions. Not naming things correctly leaves children at a disadvantage when speaking to health professionals and doctors. Join Melanie as she unpacks sexuality in early development and shines a light on what really matters.
Resources discussed in this episode:
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Contact Melanie Ramey:
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Canon in D Major performed by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
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