Before the child ever gets to school it will have received crucial, almost irrevocable sex education and this will have been taught by the parents, who are not aware of what they are doing.

The quote by Mary Calderone emphasizes the significant role of parents in shaping a child’s understanding of sex education before formal schooling begins. Calderone suggests that children receive early lessons about sexuality through their home environment, whether intentionally or unintentionally. These lessons, imparted by parents, can have long-lasting effects on a child’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding sex.

By describing this early instruction as “crucial” and “almost irrevocable,” Calderone highlights the profound influence of informal sex education. Children absorb messages from parents’ words, behaviors, and attitudes, which often shape their understanding far more deeply than formal lessons later in school. This underscores the responsibility of parents in providing thoughtful guidance and fostering healthy perspectives.

The quote also points to the unconscious nature of early education at home. Calderone notes that many parents are unaware of the messages they are transmitting, which can result in incomplete, misleading, or harmful understandings of sex. Recognizing this dynamic is essential for promoting conscious, informed communication about sexual health and relationships within the family.

Originating from Mary Calderone, a pioneering physician and public health advocate who co-founded the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), the quote reflects her dedication to improving sex education. Calderone emphasized the need for both parents and schools to provide accurate, intentional, and responsible guidance to ensure children develop a healthy understanding of sexuality.