Birds and Bees:  Are You Ready?

Recently the Positive Discipline Association hosted a teleconference  with Amy Lang on the topic of talking to your kids about sex.  (You can download the teleconference by going here.)  I was particularly interested because I hadn't yet had "the talk" with Ben.


Here are some of Amy's suggestions:
 

1. When it comes to sex ed, the sooner the better, and definitely before puberty (around 10 or so). Don't wait for your children to ask you questions.  By the time they enter kindergarten, they are hearing things from other children.  Wouldn't you rather they hear accurate information from you, along with your values?

   
    

   2.  A great way to start if your child hasn't asked is to GET A BOOK. One Amy recommends is It's So Amazing! A book about eggs, sperm, birth, babies and families by Robie Harris and Michael Emberley.  for kids 7 and younger, add it to the mix of books you read at bedtime (or any other time).  You can use the same book with children 8 and up (or you might consider It's Perfectly Normal! Changing bodies, growing up, sex and sexual health, also by Robie Harris and Michael Emberley).  With kids 8 and older, you might say, "I got this book about babies and sex and stuff.  You're old enough to learn about these things; you could read the book on your own, or I'd be glad to read it with you".
    
    

   3.  Have ongoing conversations with your children.  The goal is for your kids to know you are the person to come to when they need information.  Being open to their questions, and really listening to their concerns, invites them to come to you first.  And this is your best chance to share your own values, shaping what their values become. 
    

For more information, visit Amy's website.  It's full of good information for all of us!