How do I talk to my child?

How might you support your child in their deepened understanding and growth of their human sexuality? 

Here are some tips and guiding principles for opening dialogue in response to children’s questions and promoting a space for healthy conversation about human sexuality: 

  • Be attentive and respectful. 
  • Teaching children about their bodies must happen in an age-appropriate way.  
  • Know what you really believe and why. 
  • Anticipate how you will respond if your child asks what you did.  
  • Talk often but not necessarily long. 
  • Know their world. 
  • Take time when they want to talk. 
  • Use correct terminology even when it makes you a little uncomfortable. 
  • What is the real question? 
  • Talk about risk behaviours. 
  • Use story to deepen dialogue. 
  • When you talk about human sexuality, talk about human beings.  
  • Create a trusting relationship. 
  • Connect sexuality and spirituality. 
  • Tell the truth.