In most cases, parents like you may find it uncomfortable to initiate a “sex talk” with your children. Apart from the sensitivity of the topic, talking about sex at a young age may be a bit challenging for any parent. But whether they like or not, it’s your responsibility to teach your children about sex and sexuality. While approaching the topic in an age-appropriate way may be challenging, here’s what you need to consider in teaching them about safe sex.
Understanding safe sex
Safe sex doesn’t necessarily mean no sex at all. While many health providers confine safe sex to “no sex” or abstinence, information about safer sex should still be explained to your kids before they become sexually active.
For instance, learning about safe sex has come to mean that your children may reduce their risks of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STI) by practicing safe behaviors and precautions.
Planting information on your children’s minds about the topic of sex should be done in a way that they’ll understand the importance of sex and sexuality. Remember that your influence as a parent can go a long way in helping them understand the true essence of sex in their lives.
Furthermore, you should also keep in mind that your ways of expressing and talking about sexuality and the way you handle your children’s queries about sex can more likely influence their sexual development. That’s why having a sex talk as early and as often as possible with your kids can be good for them.
How to talk to your children about safe sex
While your children may say that they know everything about sex, it’s still important to note that they are not fully informed about sex and the potential health risks of getting sexually transmitted diseases. Most of time, you as a parent can be an efficient resource of information for your children. Although you may be a bit unsure of how to introduce the topic of sex with them, here are some tips you may consider from the beginning:
Speak with honesty about safe sex.
Consider practicing safe sex with other adults before you approach your children about it.
Don’t take your kids’ question for granted. Listen to them and answer their questions calmly and honestly.
Take note of the topics which you find it best to have a discussion with your children including STDs and their prevention, birth control, matters involving sexuality and even rape. Make use of some age-appropriate books that discuss reproduction health.
Watch TV with your children. By watching movies, you’re given the opportunity to ask questions and start a conversation with them regarding sexuality.
Try to access sex education materials to help you explain to your children the importance of safe sex to their overall well-being.
Make sure that topic about sex begins at home so you’ll be able to guide them with their thoughts and ideas.
It’s more likely essential if you encourage curiosity with your children. That way, you’ll know what they’re thinking, and you’ll be given the windows and opportunities to correct any wrong perceptions about sex (if they have them).
Keep in mind; your goal is to guide your children towards having a healthy sexual relationship when they become adults. If possible, try to overcome the cycle of silence and initiate the first move to tackle issues about sex and sexuality. You may have nothing to worry about because, in reality, you’re in the best position to be an advocate for sexual health to your kids. Don’t hesitate to communicate with them more often.
Safe sex guidelines you may teach to your children
Although your children may be too young to experience sex, there are circumstances where it’s best if you show them some guidelines for safer sex. That way, you’ll be able to reduce their exposure to sexually-transmitted diseases which can be acquired by having unsafe sex.
Here are the guidelines you should impart to your children for safe sex:
Tell them that having a sexual relationship is no joke at all. Remind them to think twice before entering into new sexual relations and be wary of the factors like the history of past partners, STDs, and even drug use.
Inform them about the existence of condoms which can be used to help prevent the spread of STDs.
When it comes to oral sex, remind your children to protect their mouth by instructing their partners to use a condom.
When they become more sexually active, prompt them to visit a healthcare provider for some tests like pelvic exams and periodic STD tests.
Tell them to be aware of their partner’s body. Watch out for any symptom of rashes, sores or discharge. Also, take time to check your own body for the same symptoms.
Think of other sexual activities that do not necessarily involve an exchange of body fluids.
There’s no exact way where parents can begin the conversation. While it can sometimes be a trial and effort, you should always think of creative ways to bring up the issue of sex and sexuality in a manner that they’ll understand. With the information presented in this article, we hope that you’ll be able to continue the discussions with your children successfully. In the end, excellent communication with them is crucial. When you can communicate properly, it indicates openness and straightforwardness.
Teaching your children about safe sex means an opportunity to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and to have a healthy sex life over time. To ensure your health and to enlighten you of the possible danger brought about by STDs, you can have yourself tested through STD testing.
Angela Hall
Angie is a health enthusiast who specializes in spreading STD testing education across the country. She enjoys what she does and loves to travel to different areas. She loves to write for websites and is a family girl at heart.