The Middle School Years (ABOUT SEX) t
BY BRITTANY KECK , THRIVE OKC
Talking to our kids about sex can be a very tricky topic. While it is not always easy or comfortable to discuss sexuality with young people, research tells us that kids and teens who have regular conversations with their parents and caregivers about sex and relationships are less likely to take risks with their sexual health. So it is never too early, or too late, to start these conversations with your child about sexuality.
Editor’s note: This column is the second in a series of four by the experts at local nonprofit Thrive OKC to empower families and caregivers to talk to their kids, in developmentally-appropriate ways, about sexual health. Each column focuses on a different age range of child and provides ideas of topics to cover, conversation starters and resources. Find the full series of Talking to Kids About Sex articles, plus a podcast with expert advice on how to handle topics like consent, puberty and pornography, at metrofamilymagazine. com/talking-to-kids-about-sex . Find additional resources for parents and caregivers at thriveokc.org . curiosity. As parents and caregivers, we have the opportunity to provide our children with accurate information in a safe setting before they search somewhere else and potentially get incorrect information or information that doesn’t align with your family values. Remember: it can be just as hard for a middle schooler to come to you to ask a difficult question as it is for you to come up with an answer! If a young person is asking you a difficult question, it’s because they trust your answer. Avoiding their questions or not answering fully can break their trust and could send a message that you are not someone they can turn to for support. But on the flip side, this is your chance to help build a foundation for healthy relationships and decision making.
Is it too early?
If your child is in middle school and you have not started these conversations yet, now is the perfect time! Along those lines, there is also no need to try to “catch up” all in one conversation. That can be really overwhelming for both you and your child. Take your time and tackle individual topics over time as they come up. The key to open communication is to show your support. Be very clear that your child can ask questions or come to you for help without fear of shame or getting in trouble. It is perfectly normal if you’re uncertain whether various topics related to sexuality are “age-appropriate” to discuss with your child. Keep in mind: if a young person is asking, they deserve an answer. Whether they heard about it on social media or from a friend, something has sparked their
56 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2022
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