It can be embarrassing, awkward, and difficult to talk about. If you’ve got pre-teens or teens in your household, you know what this is about – The Talk. How do you have a normal, informed conversation with your children about puberty, the changes that come in growing up, and how Christians live in a world that celebrates sex?
Author Dr. Walt Larimore has written two great books that can really help – The Ultimate Guys Body Book and The Ultimate Girls Body Book. These are both written directly to younger readers, but there are tips included for parents as well.
Some tips discussed by Dr. Walt and Dr. Bill are below.
1. Your child needs to know that their concerns, questions, and the things they are experiencing are normal.
It can be a confusing and embarrassing time, so remember to reassure your child often when they express feelings and ask questions.
2. Keep an open line of communication.
Find ways to encourage those questions and conversations. If it is easier for your child to write down embarrassing questions, that’s okay! Get a notebook that can be used to ask – and even answer – questions when your child becomes bashful.
3. Be willing to admit that you don’t know. Be willing to admit that you are uncomfortable too.
When your child asks tough questions, or you wonder if there is more information you could include in your answer, go ahead and tell your child. You can even research answers together (ask a family doctor, look for reputable information online, ask a pastor, etc.) As for those awkward questions about sex and other topics, it’s okay to discuss your feelings. You can say that you feel a little weird talking about it. You can probably both feel the awkwardness, and it helps to be open about it. You might even find yourselves laughing it off together!
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