| Many parents find it difficult to talk to their children about sex. Here are some tips and a range of practical suggestions that may help open the lines of communication between you and your children.
1. Be casual and give them accurate answers.
Use correct terms at a level your kids will understand. Start talking about the issues early in child's life. Make them feel that you're comfortable talking about sexual topics, so that they won't feel ashamed to bring it up.
2. Don't make threats.
Don’t demand that your child share your beliefs and values or argue that their opinions are wrong. This is the primary reason why children rebel or avoid parents with their questions.
3. Don't push the topic if your child doesn't seem interested.
Don't push if your children are not ready to discuss sexual issues. Just let them know that you are available if they want to talk about it.
4. If you are embarrassed, say so.
Be honest to your children if you are not comfortable discussing about sex. But you should let them know that you can deal with it and want to find out more about it together. Or if you can’t bring yourself to talk about something, tell your child that you’ll find other ways to get the information to them. For example, you could get books, articles or videos on the subject. You could look things up on the internet with them.
5. Be understanding.
Don't fret if you hear your children talking about sex. Instead, bring them some resources in which you can discuss together. Let them feel that you are more than willing to share your own ideas about it. In this way, they'll feel comfortable to talk such things with you.
6. Learn more.
Get more information about the issue as you can. Visit your local library, county health department, school district or church for other resources. Investigate local classes and when you find some that meet your personal values, let your teens get involve with sex education classes in your community.
7. Look over the material.
Check the materials before giving it to your kids to read and discuss. Different sources offer different approaches, based on different values. Take time to look into these approaches and discuss the differences with their corresponding consequences.
8. Be aware.
Ask about the information they are getting at school. Check their books and have a copy of the program, but make your request without embarrassing your child. Make sure you know what they are being taught, and that you have at least as many facts as they do.
If you have never read much about sex, educate yourself.
Dr. Marlene M. Maheu, a psychologist/activist, speaker and consultant, offers more stress relief techniques that get results at http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/. |
Article Details
