Talking about sex

Discussions about sex shouldn’t be reserved for a formal talk. This will just make the situation more awkward for both of you. Instead, do it while carrying out normal tasks such as washing up, or an activity you often do together, rather than making it into an event itself. This makes the subject less intimidating for both of you and shows how sex is a normal part of life. Look out for everyday situations in which you can introduce issues: for example, a trip to the swimming pool could start a discussion about gender differences and private parts; unpacking a box of tampons after shopping could initiate an explanation of periods.

Many parents fear that talking about sex will make their child more likely to do it but research shows that in fact kids who feel they can talk openly with their parents wait longer before having sex and are more likely to use contraception when they do. The easiest way to make both of you feel more comfortable about the subject is to incorporate it into everyday conversations. This way you don’t have to gear up for an embarrassing ‘big talk’. Start these small conversations early - teenagers often find it difficult to talk about sex with their parents so get talking now before it gets awkward.

If you or they know someone who is pregnant then you could use this as a way to open up the topic. Try asking them if they know how mummies get pregnant, see how much they know and respond if they want to know more. Watching TV may also initiate discussion, for example you could use a soap storyline about teenage pregnancy to find out what they think, express your views and answer any questions they might have. Accept, however, that sometimes children may not want to talk, especially as they get older, don’t push the subject but perhaps try to broach it differently another time.