From Talking To Your Kids About Sex
Preparing for the “Talk” with Your Pre-Teen
- Be intentional – don’t make excuses but make the time to have the talk! It is both parental wisdom and your responsibility.
- Get unified – before the talk, discuss and determine with your spouse:
- The principles you want to teach then (your family core values).
- The variety and depth of the sexual issues you will cover.
- Write these principles and issues down for further reference.
- Be sensitive – consider each child unique and fit your discussions to their maturity. Be gradual and age-appropriate with your sexual answers. Always be alert for teachable moments prior to the official talk.
- Set a date – plan a specific event or time away with each child. Make it your goal to deliver the “whole package” by age 11 with the parent of the same sex.
- Get Brave – err on the side of being really open and thorough- they usually know more than you think.
- Check back often – be sure to follow up with more discussion within the next year. Keep an open-door approachability and work to maintain an ongoing conversation.
- Get Wise – seek out the right resources to guide in your talk.