4 questions for parents as they talk about sexual health
When I am teaching parent workshops, I encourage parents to think through their own feelings about sex and sexuality. Your past experiences, and your own sexual health education you received growing up - do influence how you parent your own child and their sexual health.
It’s important for parents to do some personal investigation and reflection into this. And, if you are parenting with a partner, take some time to discuss together how you will approach sexual health with your own child. These ongoing conversations will help you feel more prepared as you navigate your role as your child's sexual health educator.
Here are 4 questions to get you started:
What influenced you as a child growing up in regard to sexual health?
What is your comfort level in talking out loud about bodies and sexual health topics?
What are your feelings and thoughts about nakedness in your home?
What education do you have or still need to teach your child their sexual anatomy?
Learn more about these topics:
Letter of encouragement to parents.
My child is starting sex ed at school. Help!
Tips for using sexual health themed books with your child.
Why Sex-Ed Really Matters
Mother/Daughter Interview: Healthy Conversations About Sex
Female anatomy 101
There are some stark differences in the sexual lives of modern teenagers and young adults. Parents need to know about this sexual landscape in order to help their kids navigate it.
Teaching your kids about consent: Why I don’t want you to tell your kids that ‘One thing leads to another.’
When should I stop being naked around my child? Helping parents navigate nakedness in the home.
6 top reasons kids ask questions. Understanding the why behind your child’s questions about their bodies and sex.
Here are 10 tips to help parents talk to their child about sex education.
Start with teaching correct names for body parts, then use these 2 tools.
Listen to my conversation about sex postpartum and being a mama & lover on the Mamas in Training Podcast.
When parents of teens and young adults ask me what I recommend they read to grasp some understanding of the sexual culture of today, Peggy Orenstein’s books: Girls & Sex and Boys & Sex top my list.
Congratulations!! You carried and birthed a whole human. Now what? Sex after a baby may be quite the challenge. You are not alone. Let’s talk about how it really is with facts and tips to help you navigate your sex life postpartum.
Listen in on this conversation loaded with tips and strategies for parents on talking to your kids about sex. I was delighted to be a guest on the Confessions of a Super Mom Wannabe podcast with Kristen Wheeler.