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How to Talk To Your Kids About Sex
Nancy Snyderman, M.D., F.A.C.S
How do I talk to my kids about sex? I have a 6- and 9-year-old.
Can you suggest any books?
This is such an important question and one that, unfortunately,
many parents do not ask. They may think it will come naturally or
that when the time is right (later, much later), they will
explain the birds and bees and be done with it.
Meanwhile, as parents are waiting for the right time or the right
words, the kids are getting bombarded with messages about sex
from all quarters: television, pop music, friends, print media,
movies and the Internet. If these are their main sources of
information, your children may come to an understanding about sex
that is inaccurate and based on values other than your own.
Lois Salisbury, president of Children Now, says you cannot wait
for your kids to ask. They probably want to know, but may be
afraid or uncomfortable to initiate the conversation. She says
the best way for parents to establish open lines of communication
is to start early and talk often. The way to start is by
exploring your own ideas and values on the topic of sex! and
figuring out what it is you want to communicate to your children.
I know it can be very difficult for some parents to broach this
subject. Once you break the ice, it gets easier and Salisbury
says it is immensely rewarding. "As kids move into their teenage
years, the ones who are making the wisest decisions about sex and
drugs and alcohol are the ones who also say 'I can still talk to
my parents about these issues'," she says.
Of course, there are different ways to talk with children of
different ages. You can find more specific information in the
articles linked below from Children Now's Web site. While you are
there, be sure to click on their resources page, which feature
books, organizations and additional Web sites on the topic of
talking with your kids...
Nancy Snyderman, M.D., F.A.C.S
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