 March is national “Talk to Your Kids About Sex” month. A coalition of organizations has been brought together by the Onondaga County Department of Aging & Youth and our mutual concern is the choices young people make about sexual activity and the messages they receive about sexuality.
We believe parents are the primary sexuality educators of their own children. Our goal is to support parents by providing them with the education and tools to help them feel confident in this role with their children.
To that end, we have initiated a public education campaign to call attention to the issue through the media, workshops and materials for parents. We hope to inform parents about the importance of talking to kids of all ages about healthy sexuality and to give them the tools and skills needed to start these important talks. Our mission is to empower parents. Our key messages are:
- Parents are the primary sexuality educators for their children.
- Strengthening parent/child communication is essential.
- It is important for parents to express their family’s beliefs and values in an age appropriate manner.
On this web page you will find information about how to begin this very important job. There are links to an age appropriate bibliography compiled by our Onondaga County Central Library, a "Talking Stategies" tip sheet to help you get started, links to the Planned Parenthood website and their resources which include a toll-free information line and an “Ask an Educator” e-mail site where you can ask a question and get a prompt and accurate response.
We are committed to helping to promote parenting sexuality education not only during the month of March, but throughout the year. Please call us for further information at 315-435-2362.
Website Contents (click to go to any section listed)
How To Talk To Your Kids About Health Sexuality - A Parent's Guide
Resources (Including a suggested bibiography from Onondaga County Library)
Onondaga County's 2-1-1 CNY (formerly Helpline)
How To Talk To
Your Kids About Healthy Sexuality - A Parent's Guide Healthy sexuality is not just about the act of sex. Sexuality includes both physical and
emotional aspects and includes emotions, gender, sexual orientation, relationships,
intimacy, and feelings as well as physiology and sexual intercourse.
- Start talking about sexuality when they are toddlers and continue talking about age
appropriate issues throughout their teen years.
- Talk to your kids or grandkids before they learn from someone else.
- Create an open situation in which the child feels at ease coming to you when they
have questions or concerns.
- Use teachable moments such as things you see on TV and in the media to start
discussions.
- Be prepared. Gather facts on the topic from books, the Internet, or local
community programs to have the correct information to share with your child.
- Be honest and direct with your information.
- Use words the child understands, if possible using the correct terms so the child feels
comfortable using them.
- Share your own values and beliefs on the topic and let them know why you
believe it.
- Listen to your child. Be careful not to preach or make judgments. It can close the
door to further communication.
Click here to download the above tip sheet as a PDF document
Age Appropriate Conversations for Parents and Kids - This article discusses all the different stages of development and how to have the conversation about sexuality with your kids at any age.
Click here to download the above article as a PDF document
Parent-Child Activity: A Valuable Letter - This activity can help parents get started on this conversation about sexuality.
Click here to download the activity as a PDF document
PARENTING/SEXUALITY RESOURCE LINKS
(click on the underlined hyperlink to go to any of the following websites) |
