Have you ever had to do the "talk" with your kids? What was your approach?

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SnowedIn · Accepted Answer

I (we) have! Four times. :) But it is not one talk. It's a foundation of how we talk about our bodies and a cascading series of discussions over time.

For us, it started with how we refer to body parts. We call them by their basic name. We don't go all Latin clinical medical terminology, but a penis is a penis and not a pp and vulva/vagina is exactly that, not some other euphemism.

Then, we practice the level of modesty that our each person is comfortable with. We don't make nudity something to be ashamed of nor something that needs to be exhibitionist or any extreme on any side.

For us, the natural opening for basic discussions was when my wife got pregnant with each subsequent child. The kids before were curious and asked questions and we gave them clear, concise, age appropriate answers. They could/can/did ask as many questions as they want. We answered.

Then, they've walked in on us at times. That offers an opportunity to teach that sex is a normal part of a healthy life and not something we should be ashamed of or shy away from.

We talk to them when they get phones and device access about porn and reality versus fiction, etc.

We talk to them about agency over their bodies and consent and other choices.

We discuss about protection and pregnancy and disease.

Then, they do get some education at school and we review that curriculum and expand on it, fill in blanks, correct misconceptions, etc.

We make an open environment where they can talk to us about it.

In short, it's an ongoing dialogue.

Gent207-2 · Accepted Answer

Start from the very beginning when theyvwere 5 and not interested in dating. When appropriate you discuss the various anatomical differences of males and females. As they continue to grow hopefully you discussed and demonstrated the difference between acceptable vs unacceptable behaviors in dealing with those parts including consent and self-exploring in private etc.

THEN right before puberty you talk about attraction and dating. Right after their first period or nocturnal emission you can explain where babies come from.

Alternatively I recommend the Minging of Souls

Breanna_nonbinary · Accepted Answer

You ask them what they know. Then ask them what they want to know. It’s better to give them more information than they need than to have them go to their peers for information. Always be open and honest about sex and how it plays into a relationship. If you act embarrassed about sex then they will act embarrassed about sex. So it’s best to just be open about everything.

ushagomez · Accepted Answer

No children yet, but when I do have children I will teach them throughout their childhood, not just one talk. My parents taught me throughout and I found it weird that friends at school had no clue, or crazy ideas

LiamSawyer · Answer

There are good books and videos available that are age appropriate it's probably good to address things as early as possible as soon as they get curious. The key I would think is keeping it age appropriate and honest throughout the whole process from a young age through to adolescence.

Date_a_Snob · Answer

Bring trans my mom had to have two different talks with me

In_Trance · Answer

Your daughter probably knows more than you do

Luckycharms12 · Answer

I don't have kids yet but be open and honest think I think best method

Lookitsmadmax1994 · Answer

Never have and to give the talk but my dad really didn't do the talk with me. He gets embarrassed and shy when talking about sex. My mom was the one who gave me the talk.

EaterPeter · Answer

Birds and bees?

Have you ever had to do the "talk" with your kids? What was your approach?

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