“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
- 2010 Minnesota Adolescent Sexual Health Report (PDF)
- Advocates For Youth – Parent-Child Communication: Promoting Sexually Health Youth (PDF)
- Advocates for Youth – Parents and Teens Talking Together About Contraception
- Communicating with Children about Sex: General Tips (PDF)
- Facts to Share with your Teens about… (PDF)
- Nickelodeon’s Talking With Kids About Tough Issues (PDF)
- Parents as Sexuality Educators Recommended Reading List (PDF)
- Ten Tips on Raising a Sexually Healthy Child (PDF)
- Tips for Talking with Teens About Sex by David Walsh, Ph.D. (PDF)
- Understanding Sexual Orientation (PDF)
Resources for Parents
- Advocates For Youth – Parents’ Sex Ed Center
- Dads and Daughters
- The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
- » Parent Portal
» Sex and Tech
– Tips for Parents (PDF) - Planned Parenthood Federation of America
- The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS)
- Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign – Minnesota Institute of Public Health
- Talking with Kids
- Teen Health 411
Activities for Parents and Families
- Let’s Talk Month Calendar (PDF)
- Let’s Talk Tins by Tri-City Partners
- Schedule a Sexuality and Family Life Educator (SFLE) to Speak to Your Parent Group
- The Talk: An Intercourse on Coming of Age
Información en español
- Ambiente Joven
- Padres de Adolescentes (PDF)