What Stops Us From Talking to Our Children About Tough Topics?

The more and more I talk to parents the more they express their hesitations and concerns about talking to their children about topics like s e x, puberty and pornography. These concerns are fair enough and many will resonate with you. I am going to help you to overcome your hesitations and be a parent who has the confidence and courage to be equipped to talk openly to your children about these sensitive issues.

1. We think we don’t know all of the answers. Guess what you won’t and can find out. Scroll through my insta feed to find the answers that you need for all sorts of issues and topics that are challenging for parents to talk about.

2. Myths and misconceptions. ie if we chat they will go and do it, or we are destroying their innocence. Research suggests that you will actually empower your children by talking to them. Even though this might be hard to believe, it’s true.

3. It’s personal and private. Yes, this can be. This does not mean however, that you should not talk about it.

4. It’s embarrassing. If you’re not used to talking about tough topics, then this can be true. But this can change.

5. They haven’t asked any questions so they mustn’t be ready yet. Sex is everywhere in the media so your children are observing and learning about it from a very early age even if they do not talk about it with you. Wouldn’t you rather teach them yourself?

6. Cultural and religious beliefs. For example, if we believe in abstinence then we probably shouldn’t talk about this. Our media and culture does not talk about it, so maybe I shouldn’t either. Even if this is the case you should share your cultural and religious beliefs with your children.

7. I only need to have “the talk” once and then it’s over. Phew, done and dusted! Ha, it’s a lifelong conversation!

8. We just don’t have any spare time in the day. We are all so busy but this conversation happens in everyday life and it should be a priority.

9. My child is too young and shows no interest. Wouldn’t you rather tell them before google or somebody else does?

10. Fear or past experience. If you are fearful because of something that happened to you then this can be difficult and it’s important to get some help.

11. Thinking it’s over their heads or they are too young. You can teach age appropriate sex education from an early age, starting from the day your child first learns to talk.

So there’s some thoughts ..do you have any more? What stops you?

Below are some resources that may help

Free download How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex.

Books-check out all the books and websites on my page that can help you https://www.amazingme.com.au/

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Rowena

Rowena

The facilitator of ‘Amazing Me’, Rowena is a primary trained school teacher, with more than 30 years of experience in sexuality education and a mum of three adult children.

Rowena understands the many complexities and challenges at different stages in a child’s life when talking about tough topics like sex and puberty.

She is passionate about what she does with the goal that open and positive conversations will be started and continued, that puberty is ‘normalised’, relationships enriched and strengthened and as a result, wise choices are made in the future.