Talking to children about love and sexuality?

It is essential that our children feel our satisfaction in watching them grow up. In adolescence, we will continue our dialogue with them about sexuality.

Inès de Franclieu, is the author of the book “Dis, en vrai c’est quoi l’amour ?”(ENG: “Tell me really, what is love?”) a booklet with colourful, playful illustrations that is built in the form of a question and answer and is aimed at children aged 5 to 13.

As a mother and lecturer, she has worked in schools for many years, to instill respect for the body in young students. Her activity and book writing were inspired by her children’s inquiries. Based on the need of introducing them to the beauty of sexuality as an expression of love.
“We have a unique opportunity to have these conversations as parents.”

Starting a conversation with the child about the body, love, and sexuality is akin to varnishing a beautiful piece of raw wood. Still, the approach to children’s needs can vary, and those of a younger age will most likely be brief, in order to simply satisfy their curiosity.

With a 5-year-old, we will read the first two or three questions from Chapter 1 to them. But if we start reading the book with a 9-year-old, the first question in Chapter 1 might seem too simple for him, so we move on to the next ones.
“(…)the book should be used as a guide for parents at different stages of their child’s development.”

Teens need actual friendship since society’s idea of sexuality, or what they talk with peers, can be often divorced from their goal to be happy.
“(…) Love is at the origin of the sexual relationship, because love is the real challenge of our life”