When to Have “The Talk”

I have an almost 10 year old son, and I keep thinking is it time to have "the talk?" If you've been wondering the same thing, here's some resources. When do you think you should have "the talk" with your kids?

Let me start off by saying my parents never ever had "the talk" with me. I learned about sex from my friend Kim who had a pregnant 16 year old sister. I remember exactly where I was when she explained it to me and I was stunned! I tried to intervene whenever I saw my Dad even hug my Mom for a while after that. It was totally shocking!!

Fast forward 20 years. I remember talking to a group of my friends and they agreed that you should talk to your kids about sex by age 8!! My kids were about 5 and 3 at this time and I thought 8?!?! No, I can't talk to my kids about sex when they are 8! I will scar them for life.

My son will turn 10 this summer and my daughter will be turning 8. Should I have "the talk" with them?

I have always considered myself a very "open" Mama, but I also thought they would ask questions. They really haven't!

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is holding a special meeting for parents to tackle this exact issue at Caldwell High School on April 14th.

If and when you do decide to talk to your kids about sex here is some other great advice.

• reference movies or tv shows instead of yourself (kids don't want to hear about their parents.)
• don't make assumptions about what your child does or does not know about sex.
• talking to your kids early (in elementary school) can actually help prevent teen pregnancy.

Good luck!