For Parents
We know that parents are their children's first sexuality educators, and sometimes parents can experience apprehension about their roles as sex educators.
We at PPNCF want to help you feel comfortable in this important role, enhancing your ability to communicate with your children by learning relevant, age-appropriate information. Here are some helpful tips and tools to help you get started:
• Encourage communication by reassuring kids that they can talk to you about anything.
• Practice active listening by rephrasing your child’s statements or questions in your own words to better understand what is being communicated.
• Take advantage of teachable moments. Every song lyric, television scenario and pop-star pitfall provides opportunity for discussion to communicate both family values and accurate, age-appropriate sexuality information.
• Don’t jump to conclusions. The fact that a teen asks about sex does not mean that they are having or thinking about having sex.
• Answer questions simply and directly, giving factual, honest, short and simple answers.
• Respect your child’s views. Share your thoughts and values and help your child express theirs.
• Reassure young people that they are normal – as are their questions and thoughts.
• Teach your children ways to make good decisions about sex and coach them on how to get out of risky situations.
• Admit when you don’t know the answer to a question. Suggest that the two of you find the answer together on the internet or at the library.
• Discuss that at times your teen may feel more comfortable talking to someone other than you about these issues. Together, think of other trusted adults with whom they can talk.
• Prepare yourself with accurate information and with information that you and your child can look through together. Our brochure The Big Talk: Sex Ed at Home, created with the Alachua County Library District, has recommended reading for parents of children of all ages.
Askable Parent Workshops are offered to enhance parents’ abilities to be their children’s primary sex educator. Parents, guardians and others who interact with young people are given the opportunity to explore their own concerns and the tools to continue their dialogue effectively and appropriately.
To find an educator in your area, call (352) 376-9000 or e-mail Dir.Education@ppncf.org.
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