Having the Tough Talks: SEX
Hoping you can somehow forever avoid talking to your kids about sex? You aren’t alone. But you also need to face your fears, say a prayer, dig deep, and dive in with your kids. You may want to start with this post about having the Tough Talks with kids.
As promised in my Parenting 101 interview, below is a big list of varioius resources to parents to help you in talking with your kids about sex as you lead them toward healthy sexuality and making wise choices for themselves. I would encourage you to take some time browsing through these various resources, and see what is most helpful for you and your family. First, here are a couple of simple tips to keep in mind:
Having the Tough Talks: SEX
Q. Why is it so important for parents to talk to our kids about sex? Can’t kids figure it out on their own?
A. As long as you don’t mind your kids learning about sex via porn, other kids who think they are experts, experimentation, or entertainment choices that offer no moral guidance, then you really don’t need to concern your self with having this Tough Talk. Sure, they can figure it out on their own. Let me know how that works out for them!
Q. What can parents do about their fears or awkwardness regarding having this Tough Talk?
A. Before you let your fears and awkwardness stop you from talking with your kids about sex, consider how much trouble they can find sexually if you don’t talk with them. Maybe your fear for what your kids could experience without your guidance will help motivate you to plunge in and get the talk going. Also, don’t expect that you have to talk it all out in one big conversation. Start with some basic information and guidelines before moving into all the nitty-gritty details. And be sure to offer basic moral guidelines throughout the process. You will offer the best guidance for your kids with the least stress for both of you if you will work toward making sexuality a part of an ongoing conversation between you where questions and comments can be offered without shame or reactivity.
Living in a “Porn is the Norm” Culture (article from CPYU)
Love’s Got Everything To Do With It! (article from CPYU)
Guess Who’s coming to Breakfast (article from CPYU)
Questions Kids Ask About Sex: Honest Answers For Every Age (paperback)
God’s Design for Sex Series (4 books at 4 developmental levels)
Learning About Sex For Boys (5 books at 5 developmental levels)
Learning About Sex For Girls (5 books at 5 developmental levels)
Teens And Sex (booklet from CPYU)
Pornography (booklet from CPYU)
Next Time I Fall In Love (book)
Talking About Sex (article from Focus on the Family)
Talking to Tweens About Love, Sex, and Relationships (article from Focus on the Family)
Healthy Childhood Sexual Development (article from Focus on the Family)
1 Comment
Roger D. Butner · April 2, 2011 at 3:44 am
UPDATE!
I just ordered “Talking to Your Kids about Sex: How to Have a Lifetime of Age-Appropriate Conversations with Your Children about Healthy Sexuality” by Mark Laaser. I’ll let you know what I think of the book, and how the conversations go within our family when we get there.