Tips on talking about sex with preteens

by Matt Remley

What is the one thing that all parents in the world have in common? The need to protect their children from many things, including sex. Most of us wish we could cover our pre-teens ears and eyes every time the word comes up, fearing that they will start rebelling out against us and doing dangerous things.

The truth is that talking to your pre-teens about sex is a very important part of growing up. Surely a good number of readers remember when their mom or dad told them about the birds and bees. In fact many males probably had that particular father figure that showed them their first Play Boy magazine.

These days those traditions seem to be lost in the translation of things, and teens are running rampant. If you are considering talking to your teen about sex, try to give them a conversation they will remember forever so they will pass that knowledge onto their preteen someday.

Tip 1- Listen

One highly recommended tip is the one thing that parents aren't good at- listening. We are so used to being the ones talking that we forget our pre-teens also have something to say. Be sure to listen to every word they tell you, and don't be afraid to ask questions about your preteens sexual history if they have any.

Tip 2- Allow Them To Ask Questions

Also allow them to ask their own questions, they may or may not ask you about your sexual history as well to see if your a hipocrit or not. Don't be afraid to answer those questions truthfully if you believe they are ready for such a talk. Be sure to watch your own body language, don't be so tense or it may frighten your preteen.

Tip 3- Eye Contact

Believe it or not, the look on your face is also a very important piece of the puzzle. Pretend your at a job interview in the sense that you have to make good eye contact with your preteen. Needless to say rolling your eyes, frowning, or making angry faces are obviously out of the question.

Tip 4- Check Your Tone of Voice

Last but not least you will want to watch your tone of voice. Aside from the listening tip, watching your tone of voice is very important when talking to your pre-teen about sex. You will want to speak in a calm and upbeat manner if at all possible.

Tip 5- Keep The Teen Relaxed

All of the above steps are to make the teen relaxed, and therefor calm enough to talk to you about such an embarrassing and alienating subject to them. Make sure to "set the mood" if you will, by picking a room or place they will feel comfortable enough to talk in.

If you follow the above advice surely you will do a great yet effective job at talking to your pre-teen or teen about sex, so go ahead and give it a shot.

Sources-

4parents.gov

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