Having the Sex Talk with your Children

As the saying goes, “Timing is Everything”, this is especially true when bringing up sex and other sexual situations with the young. It is never too early to talk about contracting sexually transmitted diseases. In today’s society, kids are more aware of sex as young as nine years of age and many have even had some form of experience as young as eleven in some cultures. Learning to read the kids cues when comments or questions arise is only part of the sexual discussion. Questions about sex, is a good time to start the discussion while keeping the information on the child’s level.  Children are growing up faster than ever while being exposed to more adult content than just a few years ago.  The media bombards teens and youth with sexual content and situations.

Don’t Force Your Kids to Look Elsewhere for Information about Sex

Kids are curious, but many do not ask parents about sex. Their information comes from other kids and peers. Or they Teenager Skateboardingmight take media at face value as to what is real and not real. Use the media cues, such as a television program or commercial to initiate an open dialogue about sexual behaviors and risks that are present today. Start a dialogue early in order that later the child will be more willing to come back for more information and answers to questions. Give the child a chance to lead in the discussion to share what is important to him/her.

Parents need to be informed and current on what is known and not known about sexually transmitted diseases and unprotected sexual encounters. Kids gather information from many areas and are more current sometimes than the parents. Being aware of the current pamphlets, books, videos and educational programs being offered is one method to keep the topic and conversation less frightening and confusing for all. Encourage the child to voice any fears and concerns about what has been heard from other sources. If an answer is not known, come back to that later with an answer. Include the child in searching out the answers; give them an active part in the discoveries and answers to questions.

Is Oral Sex Considered Sex?

While having the sex talk with your children, discuss the ways to remain STD free, and what is meant by abstinence. That sex is more than kissing. It does include all variations of a sexual encounter which includes; oral, vaginal or anal sex. STDs can be spread in various ways and how a condom should be worn for both unwanted pregnancies and to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Include what is meant by a monogamous relationship and that emotions are part of being intimate with someone of the opposite sex.

Practice this discussion alone or in front of a mirror before approaching the young person to discuss sexual health. Seek out counselors that are available with the std testing centers for information and answers to questions. Having the sex talk with your children is important topic of discussion to have with your child that can affect their future with sexual partners and overall health.

Understanding the Benefits of HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens, both male and female, but more common in the preteen girls. This vaccine is one way to open a useful conversation about sex. Research has shown, that good relationships between the parent and child, is essential for the child to turn to the parent for information and guidance at any time during the growing years.

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