Pining in Anticipation: How to Talk about Sex with Children

Many families struggle with how to talk with their children about sexual and relationship development. Topics of sex, puberty, reproduction, gender identity and expression, and healthy relationships can open up all sorts of awkward or uncomfortable rabbit holes. Being able to have open and honest communication about these issues can be very helpful for kids of all ages. Questions and curiosity can arise at different developmental stages. Below is a collection of resources that I have found helpful in helping with the conversations of relational and sexual development with kids.

Elementary, Ages 6-10

• Amaze Jr.
  https://amaze.org/jr/

  The younger sibling of the excellent Amaze, Amaze Jr has similar videos and resources for discussing sexual development for younger children.
  

• Sex Ed Rescue
  https://sexedrescue.com/puberty-for-kids/
  Developmentally appropriate resources on how to start conversations around puberty and sexually education for younger children.
  

• Hopscotch Videos
  Boundary Video
  Educational videos for younger children. Great music and visuals to make the conversations more fun.
  

• Sex Positive Families
  https://sexpositivefamilies.com/resources
  Education and videos focused on supporting sexually healthy children using a shame-free, comprehensive, and pleasure-positive approach.

  Middle, Ages 11-13

• Educate Empower Kids
  Educate Empower Kids
  Book resource geared towards this age group. Goals include presenting child and adolescent sexual development as natural and healthy, and covering reproduction, relationships, sex and sexuality.
  

• Every Body Curious
  https://everybodycurious.com/
  Web series where leading sex educators answer real questions from real kids, and open and honest conversations about sexuality, bodies and healthy relationships are encouraged.
  Every Body Curious is for those families interested in evidence-based material to help facilitate these sorts of conversations with their kids.

High School, Ages 14-18

• Amaze
  Amaze.org
  Excellent resource of resource guides and video that cover a wide range of topics from puberty, sexual development, and defining healthy relationships and boundaries. Really approachable content for this age group.
  

• Planned Parenthood
  Planned Parenthood Resources
  Information and videos on health, sexual development, and relationships.
  

• 3Rs- Rights, Respect, Responsibility
  3Rs
  Free sexual education resource with curriculum and lesson plans for grades K-12.
  

• Scarleteen
  https://www.scarleteen.com/
  Sex positive, queer founded and led website with topics of consent, relationships, boundaries, and pleasure.
  

• Peggy Ornstein Resource List
  https://www.peggyorenstein.com/positive-sexuality
  Great overall resource list for parents.
  
  Lifespan
  -Our Whole Lives through Unitarian Universalist Association
  https://www.uua.org/re/owl
  

  These conversations can be difficult or awkward at times. These resources can help reduce any awkwardness and open the door to further connection and understanding. It can be helpful to remember to approach discussions about sex with sensitivity and honesty and to use accurate terminology and demystify any misconceptions. It is always relevant to remind children that open communication with trusted adults is important and available.

  Ultimately, maintaining an ongoing dialogue and adapting the conversation to their developmental stage ensures that children feel informed, supported, and equipped to navigate these aspects of life responsibly.