Let's Talk Month for Parents
"What do you mean talk about sex? I already explained the birds and the bees! Aren't my kids too young? What will I say? HELP!"
It's not always easy to talk about sensitive topics like sexuality and relationships, but it is always important. Luckily there are a lot of resources out there to help you find the information and support your needs. Your family depends on you for information about your beliefs, values and expectations related to sexuality. Research shows that young people who feel connected to their family and clearly understand their family's values concerning sexuality are more likely to avoid risk-taking behaviors, like early sexual activity.
So take time today to think about what messages you want to share with the children in your life. Create an open environment to share your thoughts and listen to theirs. Use the resources below if you (or your child) need more information and remember, START TALKING TODAY!
Table of Contents
Fact Sheets
- Communicating with Children about Sex: General Tips (PDF)
- MN Adolescent Sexual Health Report 2007 (PDF)
- Parents as Sexuality Educators Recommended Reading List (PDF)
- Advocates For Youth - Parent-Child Communication: Promoting Sexually Health Youth (PDF)
- Sexual Violence Resources (PDF)
- Advocates for Youth - Tips for Talking about Contraceptives (PDF)
- Understanding Sexual Orientation (PDF)
- Nickelodeon's Talking With Kids About Tough Issues (PDF)
- Ten Tips on Raising a Sexually Healthy Child (PDF)
- Tips for Talking with Teens About Sex by David Walsh, Ph.D. (PDF)
Resources for Parents
- Talking with Kids
- Nickelodeon
- Advocates For Youth - Parents' Sex Ed Center
- Teen Health 411
- The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS)
- The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
- Planned Parenthood Federation of America
- Campaign for Our Children, Inc. Parent Resource Center
- Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign - Minnesota Institute of Public Health
- Families Are Talking
- Dads and Daughters
- New Moon Magazine
Activities for Parents and Families
- Let's Talk Tins by Tri-City Partners
- "Let's Talk About it" Video and Discussion Guide
- The Talk: An Intercourse on Coming of Age DVD and Discussion Guide by Youth Performance Company (YPC)
- Schedule a Sexuality and Family Life Educator (SFLE) to Speak to Your Parent Group