Talking Contraception and Sexuality with Your Child

When is it a Good Time?

Nobody knows your child as well as you do...and for this simple reason, you should best know when your child or teen can handle talking about contraception or sexuality. The best way to start is to look for "teachable moments".

These moments are all around you. Maybe you and your child see a pregnant woman, a display of condoms at a drug store, or a love scene in a movie or on television. Take these opportunities to discuss your feelings and values and to ask your child if he or she has any questions. It's not really that important what you talk about, so long as you're talking. This way, when your child needs to talk to someone, they'll know that it's okay to come to you.

Obviously, you won't know the answer to everything, but if you avoid the issue, children may feel that contraception or sexual health issues are taboo. Just remember that study after study has shown that sex education DOES NOT lead to an increase in sexual activity ... but it does lead to safer and more positive interactions now and in the future.

You may find helpful tips and information on "Common questions about sexual health education" on the website of the Sex Information and Education Council of Canada at www.sieccan.org.

Last Modified: April 17, 2008