The other night, I attended an insightful and highly informative class on how to talk to your child about a crucial topic: sexuality and intimacy.
The key takeaway from the discussion was clear: If we remain silent on this topic, we do our children a great disservice. In today’s world, children are constantly exposed to sexual imagery and messages that can distort their understanding of sexuality, intimacy, and healthy relationships. It’s essential that we communicate our values clearly and provide a balanced perspective.
Many parents hesitate or feel uncertain about starting this conversation. However, it’s important to know that we can convey practical and healthy information to our children and teens confidently. Even those with professional backgrounds in health fields might struggle with how to approach this subject, but it doesn’t have to be daunting.
The lecturer offered straightforward and effective strategies for having this important conversation with our kids. While my husband and I had previously discussed the birds and the bees with each of our children, we now feel equipped with solid guidelines and suggestions to make these conversations more effective.
Here’s what I learned:
- Start by Understanding What Your Child Already Knows: Begin by asking your child what they know or think about the topic. For instance, you might ask, “What do you know about how babies are made? Where do you think babies come from?” This helps you gauge their understanding and address any misconceptions.
- Correct Misinformation and Provide Accurate Facts: If your child has any incorrect ideas, gently correct them with accurate information. For example, “Babies grow inside a mommy’s body in a place called the uterus, not the tummy.”
- Use the Conversation to Share Your Values: This is an opportunity to discuss your family values. You could say, “Families are important, and we strive to create a loving atmosphere. Every baby is a wonderful gift.”
- Ensure Their Questions Are Fully Answered: After your discussion, check in with your child by asking, “Was that helpful? Do you have any other questions?”
We must be proactive in imparting our principles and values about sexuality to our children in a clear and practical way. This starts with open communication.
Don’t forget to sign up for our latest online course, Connecting With Your Teens, coming November 2024. Reserve your spot here!