I often talk about seizing “teachable moments” – a couple on TV kisses and your kid wrinkles up her nose and exclaims “that’s gross,” or your second-grader comes home proudly saying she has a boyfriend, or you see your son exploring his genitals while bathing. These are all opportunities to ask them, “so what do you think about that?” See what they already know, (or think they know!) and then little by little give them more information and guidance. Most of all, be sure to affirm them (ie. “bodies are amazing, aren’t they?” or “that’s a really good question, I’m so glad you came to me with it” or the big one — “it’s perfectly normal to think that, feel that, wonder that, dream that….)

A great way to talk about sex with your kids is to read a book together. I adore Robie Harris’ books. They are age-appropriate and include fun images that your kids can look at while you read. You can skip parts that don’t interest them, and come back to them later. My kids sometimes just want to look at or read the books by themselves. Books are an easy way to get the conversation started, and to keep it going.

Here’s one of my favorites from my kiddos: http://www.monkfish-abbey.org/blog/20051205/kid-conversations-lets-talk-about-sex/

Thanks for making my morning!

we’ve always been very open with her if she had any questions (she hasn’t much) and figured at SOME point she’d ask where babies come from- but she NEVER has…

which leaves me thinking that some time soon i will have to bring it up to her before she learns something ridiculous.

thoughts?