How to Tallk to Your Child About Sex

Working at a school I can't help but notice the effects of parents putting off talking to their young sons and daughters about sex. Many kids are curious about the subject by the time they are seven or eight years old. Its the kids who haven't had "the talk" that end up talking about it the most with their friends, being naturally curious, and getting misinformed (or overinformed). It is important to be open with your child so they will come to you with questions, instead of going to their often misguided friends. Parents who try to ignore the topic and forbid such talk in their household usually end up with kids who are more curious and therefore end up in all the more inappropriate talk at school and with friends.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. If you're going to talk to your child about sex avoid using slang words for body parts and sexual acts. Children deal with sex talk in a more mature way if it is explained to them in a mature adult fashion. Now days slang words for these things are often offensive, so its best to just stick to the clinical terms and teach your child that these terms are the only appropriate words for sexual things to be called by.

2. 

   Tell them what they need to know. Draw them a picture if it helps them understand. Start out explaining the difference between male and female body parts to your child early on, later you can deal with where babys come from, how they are made, and when sex is appropriate. Remember not to use slang words here even if its just to "sugar coat" the names of things to make yourself feel more comfortable. Being familiar with the appropriate terms such as "sperm" and knowing the technical meaning will take away some of the mystifying giggle/secretive effect kids channel into when the real word comes up. Even later you can explain to them about puberty, periods, and the changes that come with growing up. Just be sure to talk to your child before this starts happening, and save them some sweat and worry.

3. 

   Be open and ready to field and of your childs questions about sex. Remember, its better for them to come to you with these things than run to one of their friends or pick up clues from the internet and other sources that make sexual information readily available. Be honest with them, and I don't suggest telling them they're too young to know, because if they are old enough to ask, they are old enough to know where to go to find out or atleast get more information, and it may be from a source you don't want them getting that information from.

4. Most importantly by explaining sex to your kids yourself you can teach them about the respect and privacy that goes along with it. Explain, then explain again how sex is a private thing and not meant to be talked about in public and amongst friends. Explain to your child that some of their friends parents may not have told their children about these things yet and may not want them to know. Talk to them about respecting the body parts of themselves and others, and how important it is to keep them to yourself (coming from a teacher who has seen way too many cases of "You show me yours I'll show you mine". Bottom line, educate your kids, prepare them for what they will no doubt run into in school, and most of all, be there for them to come to.

[alex-is-so-cool]

on 9/9/2009 Great article :D thanx 5*

[harrisdy]

on 8/19/2009 very nicely written article.. 5*

[jenng]

on 8/15/2009 Great article on How to Talk to Your Child About Sex 5*