Talking About Sex to Kids, by Dr. Brad Schwall

I recently danced with my daughter to every song from "High School Musicals 1 and 2" - including the instrumental Karaoke versions.  The daily interactions my wife and I have with my daughter and son teach them about how to relate to people of the opposite sex.  

We all often use euphemisms for talking about sex to our kids, such as "The talk," and "The birds and the bees."  Teaching our kids about sexuality and relating to members of the opposite sex is not something to address indirectly and it is not a one-time event.  

Teaching our children about sexuality is a process that starts at an early age.

• Use everyday teachable moments to talk about sexuality, such as when your child asks questions about babies or asks the meaning of a word another child has used.

• Be clear and honest about sexuality without overwhelming your child with too much information.

• When your child asks the meaning of something another child has said, ask what he thinks it means first to help you gauge how much you need to share at that time.

• Encourage your child to show respect to others of the opposite sex.

• Encourage your child to be open about friendships with the opposite sex.  Friendships help kids develop skills for relating positively with the opposite sex.

• As kids get older, talk about the consequences of sexual activity outside marriage.  

• Encourage the development of confidence because young people who have confidence do not feel they have to make choices that compromise their values to fit in or believe that someone cares for them.

• Do not shroud sexuality in mystery.

• Teach values related to sexuality continually.