When Should You Talk to Your Child About Sex? Now

It was 16 years ago that Salt-N-Pepa encouraged listeners to talk about sex and now some of those are trying to figure out how to do just that - with their children.  Marilyn A. Maxwell, a medical doctor and professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, recently contributed to the book “Questions Kids Ask About Sex: Honest Answers for Every Age.” She says its never too early to start. 

“Parents should be the primary source of what parents want kids to know,” Maxwell says. “It’s not only talking about sex. It’s being there and developing a relationship. As you go along, maybe you’re watching a TV show or movie together and a sexual situation comes up, discuss that.” 

Maxwell, who has discussed teens and sexuality on the Today Show, joined with a team of physicians to write the book, which was edited by The Medical Institute for Sexual Health, a nonprofit organization that communicates values and medical information to children and their families about the health risks associated with premarital sex. 

The book was designed to give clear answers to questions about sex in easily understandable language while promoting abstinence until marriage. 

“It’s an area of great need,” Maxwell says. “We didn’t believe there’s anything out there exactly like this book.” 

Although the idea of talk to their children about sex can be uncomfortable, Maxwell says its actually easier if they start when the children are young. 

“The talk comes all along at age appropriate stages,” she says. “I liken it to the situation with adopted kids. There should never be a time when they don’t remember they are chosen.” 

However, this doesn’t mean parents should go overboard with full details. When a child asks a question, it might be necessary to clarify what it is they’re really after.