Talking to your children about sex and sexuality can be extremely difficult, especially if you are from a typically traditional community and culture.  Some parent’s worry that talking about sex can encourage their children to have sex, just remember, it’s always important to keep your children well-informed so they can make the right decisions.

When ASAAP conducts workshops to youth in and around the city of Toronto, most of the youth tell us that they get their sexual health information from their friends and the media (television, internet, magazines etc.) 

By starting a conversation with your children, you can help address questions that they may have, avoid the possibility that they may have gotten inaccurate information from somewhere else, and you can assist your child in making safer and healthier choices.  Positive discussions will truly help your children have more healthy attitudes about relationships, love, and sex!

First, it’s really important, to learn as much as you can before talking to your children.  This website can be a useful starting tool, but there are many other valuable resources out there.  And don’t feel that you have to have all the answers; you can always let your child know that you will find out the answer for them.

Sometimes children won’t ask questions about sexuality because they are embarrassed or uncomfortable (have you ever talked to your parents about this topic?!?!?), so it’s important that parents take the lead.

Start a conversation!  Your children may not respond right away but this tells them that you are available when they are ready.  You can always add humor to the conversation too such as asking your child to imagine you having this conversation with their nani ma (grandmother)!

Remember to be open and honest with your children and try not to judge their opinions and questions.  This will hopefully keep them coming back to you for more conversations!