Although it can be awkward, the talk about sex is very necessary to have with your children.
It might be hard to talk about and even harder to avoid. It would be wrong to assume that they already know enough about the news, entertainment, social media, and advertising. But you can use that to get the talk going and keep it going and here are a few guidelines to help you out
1. Pick an appropriate time and place: Find a quiet and comfortable environment where you won’t be interrupted. Make sure everyone involved feels relaxed and at ease.
2. Plan ahead and be well informed: Educate yourself about the topics you want to discuss. Use reliable sources such as books, reputable websites, or educational resources to ensure you have accurate information.
3. Consider Age And Maturity: Make sure the conversation is suited to your child’s age and mindset. For the younger ones, make it simpler and for the older ones, make it more detailed and give a wider explanation.
4. Use the right language: Use labels and concepts that are appropriate for their age and comprehension level. Avoid overly sensitive or overly technical language that might confuse or overwhelm them.
5. Create a ‘No Judgement Zone’: Make them comfortable enough to ask questions and share their thoughts and feelings freely. Let them know that they can trust you and that no question is off-limits or silly.
6. Be honest and speak facts: Provide accurate information based on your child’s age and readiness. Use correct anatomical terms for body parts to promote a healthy understanding of their bodies and you can also chip in representations incase some details are too complicated or sensitive for them.
7. Highlight Family values: As a family, there are values you stand for and live by. While, you’re discussing this topic, be sure to chip in your family values and expectations regarding it and the things that surround it. Teach them about setting boundaries and respecting the boundaries of others.
8. Discuss your beliefs: Each family no matter how similar will never have same beliefs be it traditional, religious, or moral, let your children know about yours and discuss it with them in a respectful and non-judgmental manner. Let them know that what a family can expect will be different from what another family is willing to accept. and let them know the place you stand
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9. Do A follow Up: Remember that “the talk” is not a one-time event but an ongoing conversation. Let your child know that they can always come to you with questions or concerns and that you’re there to support them.
10. Don’t Force them: In some cases, some children may feel uncomfortable discussing certain topics or may not be ready for detailed information. Respect their boundaries, don’t force them to listen to you yap about something they’re not interested in, just leave the door open to them for whenever they’re ready and let them know that the door is open also.
It’s important to know that the home is not the only place that children learn about things like this, make sure to ask them about their point of view and why they feel that way about it. Don’t talk them down about their view on it, just listen carefully and correct them softly to make it easy for them to learn, unlearn and re-learn.
Remember, the goal of “the talk” is to provide your child with accurate information, promote healthy attitudes towards sex and relationships, and establish open lines of communication.
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