When I think about all the things I am entrusted with as a mom to teach my children, it can be extremely overwhelming. Everything from self-confidence and good manners to…the facts of life! I spent a lot of time thinking about how to teach my children about sex – that’s a lot of information to impart on little ears. But as I’ve discovered with EVERYTHING about parenting, the best thing to do is make a plan and then wing it when things don’t go according to plan. {grin}

So how do you teach your kids about the birds and the bees?

the birds andThe bees_austinmomsblog

1. Start the lesson early! Affection demonstrated between Mom and Dad can go a long way in helping your children understand that sex isn’t gross {which is what I thought at first}. Also, don’t wait too long to start the conversation – wouldn’t you rather teach your children than let their friends at school be the ones to provide that particular lesson?!

2. Self confidence starts at home. My husband and I try to be comfortable with our bodies around our children. We don’t hide when changing or keep them out of the bathroom if we’re in there {as if we could!}. We never want our children to be ashamed of their bodies.

3. When the time comes, be factual…but don’t overshare! Only you will know when your child is ready to learn ‘the truth’. I’ve had friends tell their children at 5 while others have waited longer. Regardless, keep the explanation simple and factual – there’s no need to use silly phrases or flowery expressions. If you are going to start the education at 5, though, there’s a lot less you need to tell immediately than an 8 or 10 year old.

4. Be prepared to answer questions. It won’t come as a shock to any parents reading this that kids ask A LOT of questions. Sometimes I feel like the questions will never stop and I will die hearing ‘Why?’ over and over. But I know the topic of sex understandably generates quite a few questions!

5. Values, values, values. It doesn’t matter what your values are as a parent, but I’m guessing that plays into your views about sex. In our family, sex is not to meant be casual and should be with someone you love. This is a great opportunity to further instill the core values of your family.

6. Don’t be too serious. This conversation can be awkward but doesn’t have to be! You don’t have to scare your kids or put too much importance on everything in the first discussion. You can save teenage pregnancy and STDs for a secondary conversation! Yes, that information is extremely important, but that first conversation might be difficult enough without telling everything right away.

As long as you are talking to your children openly, there really isn’t a wrong way to talk about the facts of life – the important thing is TO talk about it!

:: How old were you when you learned about the birds and the bees? ::

 

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here