Many years ago when I was a 14-year-old boy, I heard my mom say to my sister these words, "The man proposes and the woman disposes." Those words were the conclusion of a conversation my mom was having with my younger sister, who was 13 at the time. My mother had discovered some letters that were sent to my sister, and I never knew what the letters said. However, I later understood why my mom had that conversation with my sister, but those words remained etched in my mind forever.

"The man proposes and the woman disposes"

I didn't remain with that doubt, and when I had the opportunity, I asked my mother what she meant by telling that to my sister. She explained it to me in a very colloquial way, as we speak here. I must say she used some swear words, but I don't want to write them here. Nonetheless, I understood perfectly, and from then on, I knew something I didn't know about sexual education. I know the topic is about sexuality and at what age it is most appropriate, and I understand that young people often confuse sexuality with having sexual relations.

I have two daughters, and I'll be honest as a father, one is not prepared to address that topic, especially when you have daughters. I don't know how it is with having sons. In my case, they are two girls. However, I must give credit to my wife, who has always sought information on the subject. Still, she has always involved me in those topics of the girls' sexuality. I, too, must participate in their education so that they can feel confident in themselves as girls and as women.

Thanks to my wife, we searched for information when my older daughter was about 4 years old, because we read that according to experts in the field of sexuality, it is a process that should start from birth and continue throughout one's life. In that sense, we sought information and help from some colleagues who were professors in the fields of medicine and psychology within the university. We had to learn, as beginners, how to address that topic.

Everyone we asked and the texts we read agreed that sexual education should start at a very young age, but it is essential to adapt the information and approach to the child's or young person's age and maturity.

The first thing we did was to start fostering open and honest communication with our daughters at that moment. But I must clarify again and acknowledge that my wife plays a very important role in that aspect. As a woman, she can understand the topic much better to explain everything to my daughters. In some conversations, I was not present, but in others, I was. They had to know that my wife and I were available to clarify their doubts.

Currently, my oldest daughter is 16 years old, and my youngest daughter is 13 years old, and I am sure that thanks to all the support and all the information on the subject of sexuality, but also sex, they are very aware of their role in this society, and believe it or not, they are also very aware of my mother's words, the man proposes and the woman disposes.

My daughters are like that rosebud, I must take care of her and protect her, but I must provide them with all the necessary information so that they also know how to protect themselves.