Sex education for six year olds | Sex Educator

Expanding their world

At age six, kids are stepping into a bigger world – school, friendships, and new words they might hear from peers. They’re concrete thinkers, so they want straight answers, not vague stories.

This stage is all about laying early groundwork for puberty, teaching consent in friendships, and starting to talk about bodies in more detail.

Feeling overwhelmed? Start small

Seeing all the potential topics for 6-year-olds can feel like a lot. But you don’t need to cover everything at once – just pick one small starting point.

Mindset shifts to help you breathe

Connection first: Your calm, open attitude is more important than perfect words.
Permission to go slow: These conversations repeat and deepen over time.
Start where they are: Answer the questions they’re already asking.

👉 Want help with scripts and support? The Sex Ed Membership gives you personalised advice (and encouragement) for each stage.

Quick reference snapshot (6 year olds)

Focus right now: Build on the basics with simple puberty prep, detailed body parts, and friendship consent.

Key topics

Correct names (penis, vulva, vagina, testicles, anus, uterus)
Genital curiosity (including ‘no-touch rule’)
Intro to puberty (hair, body odour, changes happen at different times)
Hygiene basics (washing, deodorant, changing clothes)
Consent in friendships (asking before touching, respecting “no”)
Good vs bad secrets (with examples)
Early online safety (screen rules, tell an adult if worried)
Healthy friendships (kindness, respect, trust)
Naming and managing big feelings

TIP. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, try searching in a different category. Or visit the sex ed, puberty or porn pages.

What to teach (with scripts)

Body Parts in More Detail: “The uterus is like a baby bag inside some people’s bodies – it’s where a baby grows.”
Genital Curiosity: May still be curious but are old enough to understand boundaries more firmly. “It’s natural to wonder about bodies, but private parts are private. We don’t ask to see or touch someone else’s private parts, and we don’t let others look at or touch ours.”
Introduction to Puberty: “When you get older, your body will change – like growing taller, getting hair, or maybe sweaty armpits. Everyone’s body changes at its own time.”
Hygiene Habits: Remind them about washing their body, including genitals, and washing hands. If they’re ready, talk about deodorant.
Consent in Friendships: Go beyond hugs: practise asking before touching toys, sitting close, or joining a game. “It’s only fun if both people want to play.”
Good vs Bad Secrets: “A good secret is a fun surprise, like a birthday party. A bad secret makes you feel worried or uncomfortable – those you should always tell a grown-up.”
Early Online Safety: “Screens are for shared spaces. If you see something scary or confusing, tell a grown-up straight away.”
Healthy Friendships: Talk about kindness, sharing, trust.
Feelings are Okay: “You’re feeling mad right now – that’s okay. What can help you feel calmer?”

TIP. Not sure how to talk about one of these topics? If you’re thinking “how the heck do I explain that?”, don’t worry — you’re in the right place. Just scroll down and you’ll find blogposts that show you what to say, when to say it, and how to keep it age-appropriate. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own — I’ve got you 💛

Tips for talking

Use school stories or playground moments as natural starters.
Expect lots of “why” questions – keep answers short and factual.
Role-play saying no or telling a teacher about a bad secret.

Common parent fears (and reassurance)

“Won’t puberty talks scare them?” → No – starting early reduces anxiety. It’s like giving them a map before a journey.
“They heard the word ‘sex’ at school – what now?” → Ask what they think it means. Then correct gently: “Sex is something private between adults. What matters is you can always ask me if you hear something confusing.”

What if I do nothing?

If you avoid these chats, your child may hear confusing or untrue explanations from friends instead of safe, clear answers from you.

Next steps

At age seven, you’ll add more detail – like how sperm and egg usually meet, handling disagreements with friends, and talking about gender and pronouns.

👉 Start now by downloading your Ages 6-8 Sex Ed Checklist to stay on track.

🧭 Looking for a different age? Check out the full Age-Appropriate Sex Education Guide with support from birth to 18.

➡️ Ready for what’s next? Explore the next age guide for 7 year olds to stay one step ahead.

Find practical tools to educate kids about sex education in the Sex Ed Shop

🔍 More help for this age and stage

There’s a lot of information out there about sex education — and it can be hard to know where to start (or what’s actually relevant right now). That’s why I’ve pulled together these blogposts, guides, and tools that are especially helpful for parenting a 6 year old.

These resources will help you focus on what matters right now – in a way that feels calm, doable, and aligned with your values.

Because even though every child is different, there are general stages all kids go through. These links will help you feel confident and prepared, one small step at a time.

👇 Scroll down to explore what’s relevant for this stage – from common questions to everyday conversations.

🛒 Looking for tools that make sex ed easier? You’ll also find practical, parent-friendly resources inside the Sex Ed Shop – designed to help you have conversations without stress, shame or awkwardness.

You’re doing a great job. Let’s keep going!

Happy talking!
❤️ Cath

Looking for more sex education resources? Then visit my Sex Education 101 page!

📥 Free download for parents

The Ages 6-8 Sex Ed Checklist

Your child is starting to ask bigger questions and explore new friendships.

This age-appropriate checklist helps you:

The body basics and early puberty prep to cover now
Everyday phrases for friendship consent and safe secrets
Reassurance that you don’t need to do it all at once

👇 Sign up below to get your free checklist