How to Teach Your Young Tween About Sex

By the time your child is six, he or she already knows a little bit about sex. You may have discovered your child's knowledge accidentally when he or she drew pictures of people and included private areas. Worse you may have discovered your tween's knowledge when he or she asked you questions about sex. How can you teach your young tween about sex without someone else teaching them wrong?

The first step is communication. Fortunately, I have always had open communication with my daughter. In fact, just recently she told me about bugs getting married. As cute as this may seem, I have a hard enough time with her in imagination land. Sometimes I even question whether or not she knows the difference between imaginary and real. Do you tell your seven year old bugs do not get married?

I asked her what she meant. I was told the bugs fought and then, they would touch on the underneath side to calm down. Next they were married and had their own children. As interesting as I thought that this was, I knew without a doubt she needed to know a little bit more.

I kept the sexual talk about bugs on her level. I told her they were mating, and mating is when the bugs get pregnant. I told her bugs are not always like people. Some bugs stay with their mate forever and some do not. I also let her know that since a bug's life is not very long, the children usually do not stay with the parents for long amounts of time. When she is interested, I know she will come to me about a specific bug. Fortunately, I do not have to worry about that until she sees one and wants to know all about it.

When your child is a young tween telling him or her about mating rituals of other animals or bugs is extremely helpful. Comparing the similarities help the children to understand. A child may not come out and ask a parent about human sex, but they will ask about animals and insects reproducing.

A great sex talk with a young tween will include animals and insects the tween is interested in. The sex talk should also include your personal feelings about sex. For example, the bug gets married before reproducing is a great way to let your child know you want them to not get pregnant out of wedlock. Saying "mating" to your child as a young tween, will not embarrass him or her as much as saying sex. The word mating instead of sex might also calm some of your uneasiness.

Always talk to your child openly and honestly. It is best your young tween know your feelings about sex. It is good to let your child ask questions and for you to answer them.

Talk to your child on his or her level. Knowing whether your child has a grasp on reality or if you want your child to know something different will help you decide how to talk to your child about sex and what to tell them.

Never intimidate your child or make them feel bad about asking questions. If you do, they may not ask you anything ever again. It is best to keep the lines of communication open, especially with young tweens. Always let your child know he or she can ask you anything. Remember, you are the parent so let your child know your values. Teaching your child about sex with these tips will help you and your tween be able to talk about anything.