There are plenty of tropes about having “the talk” with teenagers and older kids. You’ve probably seen the awkward encounters in movies and television shows. Maybe you’ve even had one of your own if you have an older child.
But, the stereotypes we’ve seen in recent years aren’t only exaggerated, they are not showcasing the best time to talk to kids about sex.
Let’s face it, kids are learning about sex earlier than ever. Thanks to the Internet—specifically, social media—it’s impossible to avoid. So, as the old saying goes, “If they don’t learn about it from you, they’ll learn about it from someone else.”
Though it may not be easy, talking to your children about sex when they’re young is important. Keep reading to find out why.
Older Kids May Not Want to Hear It
Another part of those “sex talk” tropes is that teenagers often don’t want to hear what their parents have to say. That’s one stereotype that is very true. You know your teen better than anyone. Are they really going to want to sit down and have that conversation with you?
Chances are, they’ll feel embarrassed, and may even choose not to actively listen, just so they can get “the talk” over with.
That isn’t to say you shouldn’t be talking to your teens about sex. But, it shouldn’t be the first time they’re hearing about it from you.
Talking to your kids about it when they’re young lets them know from an early age that they should be comfortable with the subject, especially when it comes to talking to you. They will learn that they don’t need to be embarrassed or ashamed to bring it up if they have questions.
It Promotes Body Confidence
If younger kids can openly talk to you about sex and sexuality, they’re more likely to have their questions answered early on. That reduces the risk of them being confused or unsure about themselves.
As a result, they’re likely to have more confidence in who they are. They’ll also be likely view their bodies in a more positive light. That’s extremely important nowadays when so many older kids and teens struggle with self-image.
By the time your child is a teenager, they’ll have a better understanding of their own bodies, as well as sex. That can help them make better decisions without hesitation. They’re less likely to feel pressured into unwanted situations.
Repetition is Important
One reason “the talk” is often so embarrassing and uncomfortable is because parents think it’s okay to have it once. Like anything else, practice makes perfect. If you wait and talk to your older child/teen about sex once or twice, of course, it’s going to be awkward.
Having open conversations about it when they’re younger will make it easier on both of you. You’ll likely feel more comfortable and confident each time the subject is brought up. Your child will learn that it doesn’t have to be an embarrassing or awkward thing to talk about.
Repetition is key. So, while you don’t need to schedule a time to talk about it, make sure you allow for opportunities for the topic to come up naturally.
The things you teach your kids about sex from a young age are the things they’ll take with them forever. They are lessons that will shape their sexual habits into adulthood. Commit to having an open dialogue with your children.
Be age-appropriate, of course, but never shy away from answering questions. If your kids are asking, no matter how young they are, it’s better that they hear the truth from you rather than reading something online.