Talk About Sexuality
At first, it can be uncomfortable to talk about sexuality. That's OK. Read this page for more
about when and how to talk to your child.
Remember: It's never too late to talk about sexuality and it's never too early!
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When to talk about sexuality
You can talk to your child about sexuality at any time. What you talk about depends on how
old your child is. Read these ideas for talking to your child at different ages:
Early Childhood (birth to 3 years old)
You help your child learn about sexuality when you:
- Identify her body parts with the correct name
- Tell her how healthy and beautiful her body is
- Show her love and trust by touching and holding her
- Let her know she has the right to make decisions about her body:
- Tell her - "Your body belongs to you".
- Sometimes she may not want to be hugged or kissed by others. Teach her that is OK.
Late Childhood (4 to 8 years old)
At this age, you might talk with your child about:
- The differences between boys and girls
- Child birth and pregnancy
- How to protect her body from others
- Safe touch and unsafe touch
- How to keep her body clean and healthy
- How to be friends with others
Early Adolescence (9 - 11 years old)
At this age, you might talk with your child about:
- What happens to boys and girls during puberty (LINK TO DEFINITION).
- How she might be sexually attracted to other people
- Being responsible for her actions
- Review the things you talked about when your child was younger. This will help
you understand what you need to talk about more
Adolescence (12 - 18 years old)
At this age, you might talk with your child about:
- Pregnancy and "safe-sex"
- Making smart decisions about relationships and sex.
- How to have healthy relationships with people
- Making responsible and informed decisions about relationships
- Review the things you talked about when your child was younger. This will help you
understand what you need to talk about more.
How to Talk about Sexuality
It can be hard to know how to talk about sexuality with your child. Keep reading for ideas on
talking to your child about this.
When you talk about sexuality with your child:
- Be honest
- Talk about sexuality in a way that matches your child's age and development.
- Younger children should not learn the same things about sexuality that teenagers do.
- Ask her what she thinks.
- If you don't know the answer to the question, it's ok. Tell her you don't know and find out
the answer together.
- Don't over react to questions she asks.
Remember: Your child doesn't have the same experiences you do. They ask
questions as a 9 year old, not a 35 year old. Answer questions so your child can understand.
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If you're having trouble talking about sexuality, try these things:
- Some kids talk better when they're doing things. Talk about sexuality while you are doing
something your child enjoys. This could be while you are playing basketball, riding in the
car, reading a book together, etc.
- Watch TV or listen to music together. Ask her questions about what you see and hear.
- Leave books about sexuality where she will see them.
- Find another adult in the family that you trust to talk to her about sexuality.
Next: Keep Your Child Safe
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