The Sex Talk: How & When to Talk with Our Kids #070

**Use discretion when and where you listen to this episode. This is a frank discussion about sex and may not be appropriate to listen to with your children. We also use one swear word.**

We are having the sex talk. Or more accurately, we are discussing the many body, sex, and relationship talks you get to have with your kids throughout their childhoods. Here are a few key points:

• Early and often: Even at an early age, your kids are curious about their bodies and where babies come from. These are opportunities to start having these (low stakes) conversations. Instead of one, big talk (too much pressure!), having lots of little conversations along the way will establish you as the trusted resource on sensitive topics about your kids' bodies, feelings, puberty, relationships, etc.
  
  
• Utilize resources: Don't do this alone. Use the resources out there to help with these conversations. Many books out there are perfect to read with your child, so you don't have to have the perfect words or all the information. Here are a few resources we've used, but there are many more out there that you may find helpful:
  • God Made All of Me
  • Unashamed
  • Honest Talk
  • 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality
  • True North Freedom Project
  • Will Puberty Last My Whole Life
    
    
• Key messages to reinforce: Al along, we want to make sure we are telling our kids important truths about themselves:
  • Their bodies are good and beautiful and just as they should be.
  • There are no dumb questions, and they can come to us with anything
  • Everything they are going through is normal.
  • Puberty, in particular, may seem hard, but they are up for it and it will not last forever.

The Stat of the Week is about trends in sexual activity among teenagers (15-19 years old) from the CDC. Also, we have a little too much fun celebrating the end of our arch nemesis, Caillou. Some of the best headlines:

• 'We did it!' Relieved parents react tot he cancellation of PBS' "Caillou"
• 'Caillou' Canceled by PBS & Parents Couldn't Be Happier
• Caillou is cancelled and parents are rejoicing: 'That bald headed little terror can no longer brainwash kids'

Thank you so much for listening! As always if you have a friend who may be encouraged by this conversation, don't hesitate to share the podcast with them.