By Lori Nieboer, PA-C, MPH,Physician Assistant at Union High School Health Center
- It’s never too early to start. Find opportunities to talk to your kids to normalize these conversations.
- Keep it simple; you don’t have to share it all at one time.
- Use real names for private parts.
- Keep your kid’s age in mind.
- Young kids – talk about how boys and girls are different or name body parts.
- Older kids – answer questions honestly and in small doses.
- Look for teachable moments: a pregnant neighbor or a scene on TV can start a discussion.
- Share with your children what your feelings and views are on sex.
- Make yourself available; listen more than you talk.
- Take time to explain what makes a relationship healthy.
- Find a friend or family member you trust that your child can also go to with questions.
- If you don’t know an answer to a question, be honest, look it up with your child and learn together.