Mar 20, 2018
Brad Wilcox grew up in Provo, Utah except for childhood years spent in Ethiopia Africa. He served his mission in Chile and later returned to that country to serve as a mission president for the LDS church. Brad is a professor at Brigham Young University and the author of Growing Up and Where do Babies Come From?
Is it just me or is “the talk” up there on the list of things you dread as a parent? I try to be cool and normal and then I panic...every time! Brad is here with some tips. Today he encourages parents to step up to the plate and have open conversations with your kids. Brad suggests that by talking openly with your children you are strengthening the relationship. Some helpful suggestions he had include:
-Start early. However old you were when you first heard about sex take 2 years off of that. Kids are being exposed earlier and earlier and the conversation, if possible, should start at home.
-Ask your kids probing questions. Find out how much they know. Ask them where they heard something or what they think if means.
-If Mom and Dad are available, both of you should talk to each child regardless of their gender. We want our kids to know that it is not a secret. Mom knows, Dad knows, and now they know too.
-”The talk” is not a one time event. Keep an open dialogue going with your kids. If they ask you a questions, answer honestly. Frequently check in with them to see if they learned anything new or have any questions.
-Many families encourage their children to wait until they are married before they have sex. Do your best as a parent to foster healthy thoughts and ideas about sex. It isn’t bad or gross. It is just a matter of timing. At some point you switch from “no no no” to “go go go” and you want them to feel ready for that.
Brad’s Mom Squad Challenge:
Stand in the shower and practice saying all of the anatomically correct terms. He feels that we should be able to say them without hesitation or embarrassment to our children. All by yourself in the shower is a perfect place to practice!