Are you ready to talk to your kids about sex?
I still remember when my mom and I had our girl talk about puberty, growing up and sex. Awkward is an understatement. That was more than 20 years ago. Looking back at that now, I realize that my mom grew up in a period where talk of sex is taboo.
And yet, I’m not sure if the modern parent is adequately equipped, more open or brave(r) enough to talk to their children and teens about sex.
ARE YOU?
“When children begin to experience some of the signs of puberty before a parent has imparted the information, the child may come to the conclusion that if a parent doesn’t talk about it he/she obviously doesn’t know anything about it or doesn’t want to talk about it for some unknown reason. This shuts the door. If a child has reached this conclusion they won’t ask any questions and the parent, who is waiting for a cue from the child to begin talking, will wait a long time.”
So when is the right time to begin talking?
This article recommends to talk early, way before a child begins to experience puberty. One family-based organization I follow even advises starting at age 8 or 9 for the first child, or before the child hears of social taboos or sex jokes in school. AND, to do at younger ages for the rest of the siblings, since they will have picked something up from their older sibs. I heard one parent had to talk about sex to her fifth child when he was six or seven years old. Can I handle that? Can you?
Here are some more tips to prepare us about sex education:
Don’t wait for questions. Begin talking about sexuality before social taboos are attached and keep talking. Clear up misinformation. Alleviate anxiety. Impart values and the facts. Ensure that the child has other resources available that you trust, including books. Use humour in response to a child’s hilarity on the subject.
“Puberty - Time for “The Talk“ looks at this issue in detail and provides useful information.
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POSTED IN: Family and Home, Healthy Development, Teen Health
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