As kids grow, parents should be able to discuss with them about sex. But most parents avoid this topic. This is because of the embarrassment that comes with sex education from the children.
Parents are also not able to devise ways to start the conversation with their kids. On the other hand, teachers find it hard to integrate sex education in school.
Fortunately, some teenagers gain the courage to ask their parents about sex. This can positively impact their decision to ask about sex.
In the UK, sex education is a must in secondary schools. This came about in September 2020 in England. The government policies on sex education state that teachers should involve parents in the process. Here are ways you can create engaging and warm sex education conversations.
Initiate the conversation early
Parents need to start the conversation at an early stage. However, some parents often take time because children have not started having sex. It is easy for parents to engage their kids when younger than when they are grown.
Just as you teach your kids to cross the road when they are still young, you should use the same opportunity to teach them about sex. This increases independence gradually and makes the children grow as they continue learning.
Parents and teenagers find it easy to engage in early conversations about sex than when the children are all grown. Children are also free to ask any questions. If they can ask questions, they are old enough to get involved in various conversations, including sex education.
However, if parents didn’t teach their children about sex in the early stages of life, they should not give up. They can initiate the conversations no matter the children’s age. It is better late than never. Remember, you have a role in engaging both boys and girls in sex education. This is because some parents often neglect to talk to boys. Some parents also find it easier to talk to kids of the same sex with them.
Learn with your children
Some parents do not have adequate knowledge about sex education. They may not know everything about sex, unlike their teenagers who Google almost everything on the net.
Children will also have sex education in school, which means they may have basic knowledge more than the parents. If both parents and teenagers have basic knowledge, discussing together can help them learn new information from each other. This can make things easier for both and create a communication flow.
If you do not have the answers to your teenager’s questions, you can search for answers from various online sources and read books or attend workshops. You can search together with your teenager to find answers to the relevant questions.
Know-how to initiate the conversation
How you approach your teenager about sex matters a lot. This is because some teenagers often sense when you plan to talk to them about sex. They already know about it, and once they realize you want to talk to them, they can go into the hide and seek game.
They may eventually start looking for information from other sources such as pornography, asking older siblings, teachers, and friends. Always find approachable ways to talk to your teenager to keep them comfortable and relaxed.
You should try and make the conversations short and also be consistent with them to avoid embarrassment. Talk to your teen during a car ride or a walk to encourage togetherness and make them comfortable talking to you.
Listen carefully and avoid lecturing them
When you pay attention to what your teenagers say, you create a warm atmosphere for them, making them open up even better. Avoid lecturing questioning them because they will not disclose the correct information to you.
When they ask sex-related questions, listen to them with full attention and be kind when answering. Also, find out why your child asks the question and find ways to answer the best way you can. Always assure them that you are there for any help, and you will always do so without being judgmental.
