Whats a good age to have the "Talk" with your kid?

Answer 1

With all of my daughters (4) I started talking to them in steps and stages starting at age four.

Things like, see mommy's tummy? There's a baby in there. When they ask about other pregnant mom's, I tell them the same thing.

Then go on to explain how much people love children and want to share their love with each other and have another children. Same for other animals. Very basic.

At age six (and with some ongoing questions and answers as they go from four to six) I explain to them about keeping their private parts clean. This can start as early as they begin potty training as they near 18 months to two years.

When I actually sat down with them about sex, all the silly questions were all ready out of the way. As in my step-daughter (now 24) I told her about sex when I explained what a period is and how her body will be changing. For her, physically she was maturing rapidly and the sit-down was when she was 10. I didn't get into more of the nitty-gritty details until she was about 14 and more at 16.

So currently my second and third daughters (14 and 17) know just about everything and my 12 year old is saying she wants to date. Silly? It alerts me to explain what most boys are all about and it really breaks the ice to take the conversation to the next level and explain more and more as each of them work towards dating, wanting to date and beyond.

My advice is for Dad's to talk to their daughters about boys and Mom's to talk to their boys about girls. I'm not sure why, but when my Dad talked to me about sex... It was really tough for him and he didn't realize Mom already beat him to the punch... lol Anyway, my girls always come to me for almost anything and everything regarding growing up and becoming a young woman.

So far my 12, 15 and 17-yr-olds aren't sexually active and don't want to be. My 24-yr-old stepdaughter wasn't sexually active until she was over 18. No guideline was set, she was just more wise and was taught to understand herself better at a young age and didn't make bad choices.

They dread talking to their Mom about stuff. Even their period and uncomfortable bra's their mother bought for them. (This is easy, take them to a snazzy lingerie outfit and have an experienced saleswomen who know how to help, give them a hand by measuring and making suggestions.) Paper products? Treat them like you're buying candy... Don't fuss about it! Make it seem natural and not embarrassing.

As a male, I dreaded talking to my Dad and found it easy to talk to my Mom about stuff.

Answer 2

Every age, again, and again, at different levels.
If it's just "The Talk", there will be this fear and shame and secrecy, and you cannot be the guide that the kids needs!
(Recently, a commercial was on TV related to sex, like a new viagra or something. Frequency or timing was mentioned. I told him, different people have different needs. Some people need sex once a week, some three times a year, and some a few times a week. It can be difficult for a couple when their needs a re really different, but neither person should take it personally.
Who the heck tells there kids these things?
The ones who are comfortable inside their own skin, and want to prevent turmoil for them. WE tell them everything else we think, but we leave them isolated and vulnerable for one of the most emotionally turbulent aspects of their lives!)
PS this comes well after the talk in school, and his own being able to mention a few things, and catch a joke or five.

Answer 3

Well frankly as soon as they start asking questions you should start talking but keep it on there level. As the child gets older you can go into more depth. Around 8 most schools start the lectures on drugs and cigarettes and you should too. A lot of children are having sex now at the age of 12 so you need to know when your child is at that age to watch for signs of maturity. Good luck I have had the talk now 6 times and I find that honesty on their level is the best. Don't be shy parents. They know more than you think.

Answer 4

I read a book about it and it said that around their 8th birthday was a good time. I know it sounds young but it makes sense when you read the reason why. Eight year olds are old enough to understand the very basics (you don't have to go into all the gory details, just the plain and simple facts). And if you tell them at this age it's before their friends at school get a hold of them and get them thoroughly confused.
When it was time, I always asked my children if they wanted to know. My two eldest did but when my two youngest turned 8 they didn't want to know. So don't push it on them. Wait until they are ready.
There are a lot of good books out (you can get them at the library) that help with telling them too. Good luck!

Answer 5

Being as open as possible about good touch and bad touch and the real names of body parts starts as soon as kids are curious and point to it and say what dat, so litterally from the beginning. But you do it terms kids will be able to understand .

However usually the ' talk' goes when a child is entering into puberty or starting to show signs of entering puberty.

I think the best and funniest discussion I 've ever heard and read on this is in Bill Cosby's book Fatherhood. His routine on the Breast Fairy is hysterical.

Answer 6

My theory is not to hide all "the information" and then hit them with it a certain age. My son started asking questions about "where did I come from" at about 4. My method is to be as honest and unembarrassed as possible; but only answer as much as they need. That will satisfy their curiosity for another couple of years, then they're old enough to handle more information. I'd say somewhere around the onset of puberty, which would be right around 11, I think it's best to finally get everything out in the open.

Answer 7

13 or 14

Answer 8

Whenever they start asking questions. Always give age appropriate answeres. A 4 year old may want to know where babies came from, but you don't have to go into details. Always keep open communications with your children. I don't think talking about sex can be wrapped up in just one conversation. It is an ongoing process.

Answer 9

seriously age 9. everyone is going to give me thumbs down and tell me that it's too early but most girls now a days are starting to wear training bras at that age and boys are already doing who knows what. I know I was a evil curious child. LoL!!! And I was already given my first sex ed class at that age. so I guess it really depends on the maturity level of your child and what age sex ed is taught in schools.

Answer 10

That depends on the child and what they see at home. If your child is 5 and walks into the room and sees you bouncing on daddy, now is not a good time. If your 9 yr old sees daddy wrestling with you, the time may be near. If your 12 yr old walks in and sees you getting busy, now is a good time!