Most children by the age of 10 have either heard comments about sex, seen images or are curious about what sex is and what it means to them. This is normal!
Sex is an act shared by 2 consenting people for the purpose of creating a baby, experiencing pleasure or sharing love and care between 2 people.
Sex is supposed to be enjoyable, pleasurable, respectful, fun, loving and caring for BOTH people
Some tips that may help
1. Be honest, in an age appropriate way
2. Call the body parts by their correct name
3. Share how you are feeling- embarrassed, silly, shy, proud of their maturity
4. Talking about sex or requesting information about sex does NOT lead to having sex, it can actually have the opposite result! Information is powerful and allows children to make informed decisions that are right for them.
5. Start with short informal chats, allow children to ask questions, time to think and reflect and share what they think and feel.
6. Compile a list of trusting adults they could ask for advice as they grow.
7. Remind children frequently to listen to their bodies and if they can sense something is not right or they don’t feel comfortable with a person or a situation they always have the right to say no at any time and leave the situation and person and share this with one of their trusted adults.
8. The aim of beginning talking to your children is to empower them and build an open trusting relationship with them. This will take time and patience. The earlier the better. By the time they are teenagers hopefully you and them will feel less embarrassed and uneasy. In saying that, it is never too late to start the conversation.
9. Never be judgemental, stay calm and listen to them. Sometimes some breathing space is vital and come back to the conversation at a later time.
Good luck!
If you have found this blog helpful you may want to join my group called The Sex Ed Group where you can ask questions in a safe and non judgemental space. Click here for more information: