Category Archives: General

Parents! When is a good time to have “THE TALK”? Is it at a particular age, 11…15…19?  Or, at a certain stage in life, like when your daughter starts her period or your son starts growing a mustache? While these points can serve as markers or reminders to get talking, it’s really best to take advantage of teachable moments throughout childhood and adolescence.  For example, when children ask, “Where do babies come from?” or “How do babies get into their mommy’s tummies?” it is best to answer them truthfully and simply. (Some tips on how to answer these questions in a developmentally appropriate way can be found here: http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/questions_sex.html) If you show your child at a young age that you are open to talking about issues related to the human body and reproduction, they will be more likely to come to you with questions about relationships and sex during the middle and high school years when these issues come more into the forefront of their lives.

Many organizations, including Advocates for Youth, agree that a parent is the first and most important sex educator. No one knows your son and/or daughter better than you, and you probably have values and expectations that you would like to share with your child related to relationships and sex. Another reason it is important to talk to your children about relationships and sexuality is to counteract the sometimes fictitious images of sex offered by the media, peers, and some music. As children turn into teenagers, if you do not answer their questions, their friends or the media will. When children hear the facts about sex communicated in an understandable, non-judgmental, and loving manner and learn to use proper decision making skills, they are more successful in avoiding negative peer influences, manipulation and sexual abuse.  (http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/parents-sex-ed-center-home?task=view)

So, the basic message is, start talking as early as you feel comfortable; share simple, factual, and honest information; leave room for future conversations. We know that conversations on this topic are not always easy to start.  Check out the resources from Advocates for Youth for helping parents get started talking with their children about sex: http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/helping-parents-and-children-talk-psec. You may also contact Erika Gabriel, Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Health Educator for the Chatham County Public Health Department at 545-8445 or by email at erika.gabriel@chathamnc.org.