"The Talk" - Olathe,KS

Good for you for tackling this subject! I don't have teenagers but I volunteered at a pregnancy clinic and I know that they get younger all the time. So definately don't wait. First I would say that pre-teen to teen just want to be treated as adults. It doesn't mean that you give them full range but approching them as if they aren't "kids" anymore is great. Also direct, honest questions are the best route. You can always ask what they hear at school. They will be more honest with you if you don't aim the question directly towards their actions. Your believes about sex will highly influence them. Tell them that it is ok to wait and talk about STD's and pregnancy. Truely putting aside any judgements will definately lead to more open communication down the line.

I just saw a great advertisement - I think in Parents magazine? - where they were saying that the best way to educate kids about awkward subjects is not to sit them down and have a formal talk as it makes everyone uncomfortable, but to talk about it in small doses as you go about daily life. Like when you're driving to school and something comes on the radio or when you're watching tv and it naturally introduces the subject. You can add your two cents and ask your child what they think about it. You can expand on it if they want to keep talking or wait until another time to add to the points. This way you keep an open dialogue and it doesn't seem like a taboo subject that is only talked about once and then never mentioned again. It should help him come to you with questions, too.

Another thing that helps me, is to pray before I start to talk about something and ask for guidance in making the right word choices.

I'm dreading when the time comes for us to talk to our daughter, but this sounded like good advice. Hopefully it's helpful! Best of luck!

Hi Meg! I have 4 girls 12,7,6, 15 months. My oldest started mensus this year, but we had been discussing it and preparing for about 2 years. Her school seperated the boys from the girls and showed them info about their body changes and what to expect, I was shown the material and it was very appropriate I thought. I would start with finding out if he has had a class at school, possible resource the school nurse for a book. Hope this helps. S.
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Hi Meg,

JoCo Health Department is a great resource and have classes appropriately geared to age level. Also St. Joe hospital has great clsses as well, although may be a bit far for you to drive. As far as books or other type of resources, maybe some of the other mom's have ideas because I'm clueless.
Every kid is different, our son did better with talk/discussion. Which we also do with our daughter, but she will also read things on her own so that's why I know about some great "girl" resources.

I agree, knowlege is power and if they figure it out on their own they may make huge mistakes. They may anyway, but at least they can't say they didn't know!

Good Luck

Lori K

Try focusonthefamily.com or familylifetoday.com.