Information for Parents and Caregivers

 

Parents and caregivers need to inform and help their children develop the attitudes and skills she or he needs to become a healthy, happy and sexually responsible adult.

It is important children feel that sex and sexuality are a normal part of family life. This 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 service runs "Open & Honest", a workshop about talking to your children about sex.

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.