Two parents struggling to have “the talk” have put out a job advertisement for someone to do it for them.
The advert, posted on Childcare.co.uk, begins by explaining that they had had struggles having that conversation with their two children – and didn’t trust their kids’ school to handle it right.
Adding that they would pay the right candidate €2,800 (£2,500), it goes on to state that the professional would be needed so their children – an eight-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy – would be taught “about the complexities of puberty, intimacy and consent”.
It begins:
“I’m not sure if this is the right place to ask for this kind of help, but here goes. My husband and I are looking to hire someone to give our 8-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son the ‘talk’.
“Like most parents, we were hoping we would have more time before this became a problem; ideally, I’d avoid it altogether! But we’re at the point now where they aren’t satisfied with the answer we’re giving them.
“I don’t trust the school to do a proper job teaching either of our children about the complexities of puberty, intimacy and consent which is why we’re looking for someone to handle this for us.”
According to the advertisement, the “ideal candidate” must be able to cover:
• How sex is between two people who are in love (preferably married but we’re modern enough to know that’s not always possible)
• Consent (with a possible discussion of rape culture)
• Sex with both genders
• Periods (for our son too – we want him to be comfortable with this natural part of life for women)
• STIs – what they are, what they can cause and prevention
• Sexual protection – the pill, condoms, abstinence etc.
• Explanation of male and female anatomy
• Pregnancy
• Other gender types – transgender, non-binary etc. (this is an area we would really struggle in!)
The post goes on to explain that the candidate would ideally be OFSTED registered and need an up-to-date DBS check, since neither parent would be attending the sessions.
It ends:
“All sessions will be at our home at a time when one, or both of us can be in the house. We will not be in the room with you but will be home so the children can come and find us if it’s getting too much for them.
“My husband and I are willing to pay £2,500 to the right candidate who can handle this delicately and professionally. We are also willing to work to your timetable on this e.g. one session a week for six weeks, or all in one session, whatever you feel is best for their understanding and development.
“If you feel you’re right for this job, please do get in touch.”
