For Parents and Caregivers

These pages are here to assist you as a parent to inform and help your child to develop the attitudes and skills she or he needs to become a healthy, happy and sexually responsible adult.

This means making your children feel that sex and sexuality are a normal part of family life. It means taking advantage of everyday situations to start conversations. Ask yourself - what would it have helped you to know about bodies, sex and relationships at each age and stage of your development?

Prepare yourself for the changes ahead by reading books, talking to other parents and going on parenting courses. Family Planning's health promotion services runs "Open & Honest" - Talking to your children about sex workshops.

Open and Honest, a parent's guide to talking with your child about sex and sexuality wil be available in January 2008.

Think of your child's sexual development as a positive, natural part of growing up. By communicating honestly and openly about sexuality you will be helping them to feel good about their own sexuality and preparing them for the future as independent people. 

Spokesperson

For spokespeople on a range of issues contact Sue Reid, phone (04) 802 1335 or email sue.reid@familyplanning.org.nz