Among the many difficulties parents encounter today, despite different social contexts, one certainly stands out: giving children an adequate preparation for adult life, particularly with regard to education in the true meaning of sexuality. There are many reasons for this difficulty and not all of them are new.  (opening paragraph of The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality)

This month as you’re teaching lessons on the sanctity of life and other family issues, you may find yourself looking for some clear guidelines on what to teach your children about sexuality and when it’s best taught.  If so, please consider reading a short document issued in 1996 by the Pontifical Council for the Family entitled The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality.  It’s full of practical advice for teaching chastity, modesty, self-control and other related topics at different developmental stages.

You can purchase the document in booklet form from any Catholic bookstore, or you can download it for free from the link above.