Tips for Communicating with your child.
Tell It Like it Is. Avoid fables, vague explanations and untruths when talking about issues of sexuality, puberty,
conception and birth.
Talk about Humans. It’s confusing to talk only about animals when your child wants to know about people.
Listen to Your Child – Show Your Interest. When your child approaches you with a question or concern, stop
and listen. Move toward the child or onto his/her level. Contain immediate reactions (see “door slammers”) while
you explore what your child is trying to say.
Give Simple Explanations. Use appropriate names for parts and functions of the body. Children need a
language to use when talking about their questions, comments and concerns.
Be Patient. Expect the same questions and concerns to resurface. Children have difficulty grasping
some information. They often need repeated assurances about the changes they are experiencing.
Get to Know Your Child’s Environment. The current jokes, the TV shows, the music they listen to, the
friends they have – these will provide endless opportunities to discuss sexuality issues.
Introduce the Topic. Bringing up issues from time to time will give the message that you are open
to and available to discuss sexuality. Your child may be put off – (“Oh Dad!” or “Whatever?!”), but that
doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she knows it all or doesn’t want to talk.
Keep the Door Open. Let your child know that you are available for other conversations or questions
about this topic. Assure them that you won’t judge them.
Source: Adapted from The Worst Advice You Can Give to a Kid About Sex…(nothing!) Maryland Governor’s Council
on Adolescent Pregnancy