How to Talk to Your Child About Sex

None of us parents wants to "have the talk" with our kids. Over the years, we have been taught to be embarrassed by sex. However, parents have a duty to properly open communications with their child to discuss such embarrassing topics.

Approach the subject in a way that you child can understand. A nine year old does not need to be told as many details as a 14 year old. As your child gets older, gear your talks to their age and only answer with what is appropriate. For example, if your five year old asks where babies come from, I personally think a sufficient answer would be "from Heaven" or "from the mother's belly". A five year old does not need to know that the baby comes from the mother's uterus. That is more information than a five year old needs to know. However, telling a ten year old the same answers is not productive.

Make sure that you open the lines of communications. Let your children know that if they have any questions they can ask you. You do not want you child learning about the birds and the bees from an misinformed classmate.

As embarrassing as it can be, do not show your child that you are embarrassed to talk about sex. This only leads them to believe that you are not comfortable talking to them about this. If they feel that you are embarrassed to talk about sex, odds are that they will not come back to ask you a question.

Even though we have been programmed to be ashamed, sex is nothing to be ashamed of. When something comes up about sex, ask your child if he or she has any questions. Let them know that they can come to you for anything. Not informing your child can lead to many presumed and made-up misconceptions.

If you have a girl, I would advise talking to your daughter before 10. Many young girls are getting the period before 8th grade. If your daughter does not know what is happening to her body, she is liable to be traumatized by this unexpected occurrence.

Same thing applies if you have a boy. Your 10 year old son does not need to know the details about periods. At 10 years old, this is unnecessary. As the years progress, you can add information that is age appropriate.

Libraries have a great amount of resources available for you. Prepare yourself for this talk. You are doing a disservice to your child if you do not open communications with them.

By putting off talking to your child, you are unconsciously teaching them sex is not something to be discussed. This only leads to more embarrassment when the time does come to speak to your child.