10 Tips for
Talking about the Facts of Life
Also available in [PDF] format.
Initiating conversations about the facts of life may be difficult for some
parents because they did not grow up in an environment where the subject was
discussed. Some parents may be afraid they do not know the right answers or
feel confused about the proper amount of information to offer. To help, here
are 10 tips from the experts at Advocates for Youth:
- First, encourage
communication by reassuring your children that they can
talk to you about anything.
- Take advantage
of teachable moments. A friend's pregnancy, news
article, or a TV show can help start a conversation.
- Listen more than
you talk. Think about what you're being asked.
Confirm with your child that what you heard is in fact what he
or she meant to ask.
- Don't jump to
conclusions. The fact that a teen asks about sex
does not mean they are having or thinking about having sex.
- Answer questions
simply and directly. Give factual, honest, short,
and simple answers.
- Respect your child's
views. Share your thoughts and values and help
your child express theirs.
- Reassure young
people that they are normal—as are their questions
and thoughts.
- Teach your children
ways to make good decisions about sex and coach
them on how to get out of risky situations.
- Admit when you
don't know the answer to a question. Suggest the
two of you find the answer together on the Internet or in
the library.
- Discuss that at times your teen may feel more comfortable
talking with someone other than you. Together, think
of other trusted adults with whom they can talk.
Click here to return to the Parents' Sex
Ed Center home page.
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