One of the most difficult, awkward conversations that you have to have with you child is a conversation about sex. There are several ways to approach this conversation. One is to ignore it and hope it goes away. After all doesn't the school system teach our kids the essentials of sex? The school system should not carry the responsibility of teaching your child, you should be the first and main communicator about sex.
The second strategy is what I call the “the big talk” strategy. The goal of this strategy is to get it over with as quick and painlessly as possible, hoping you never have to talk about sex with your children again. The major flaw of this strategy is that one conversation is never enough. I believe that the sex talk should be an ongoing conversation, an open dialogue.
This third strategy of an open dialogue has the goal of allowing your children to understand that they can trust you and talk to you about the most sensitive of topics. After all you are not going to answer all their question and address every issue they may face in one conversation. As they interact with their friends, watch tv, and movies they are going to continue to have new questions.
Here is how this strategy has played out so far with my children. At a fairly young age I shared with my children about appropriate touching. No one should touch them where their bathing suit covers. If anyone does they should share that with mommy or daddy or another trusted adult that they may be with as soon as possible. This is not a one time thing, but this conversation is repeated and should allow for the children to ask questions.
When my oldest child was about five years of age I began to use a resource, a children’s book series that helps communicate truths about sexuality in an age appropriate manner. Over the next couple of days I will share some specific resources you may find helpful.
After parents have established themselves as the ones responsible for their children's sex education and made themselves available for an on going conversation about sex. I then would recommend that parents help their children determine safe, trusted adults with which they can also have conversations about sensitive issues. There comes a time in most young peoples lives that talking to mom and dad about sensitive issues is less appealing to them. At this point I would love for my children to have another listening ear I know I can trust to give guidance and wisdom. This could be there small group leader at church, a coach, scout leader, or a mentor that you establish.
-Be the primary voice in an ongoing conversation.
-Start the conversation today, it’s not too early, it just needs to be age appropriate.
-Gather a circle of trusted adults that can also speak into your child’s life.
-Check out these resources:
-Check out these resources:
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