Question: Both my girls (8 and 14) get all grossed out when I try to use sex terms like ?clitoris? and ?vulva?, and the word ?puberty? recently sent one screaming from the room. How can I help them get more comfortable with the subject, if we can?t even get past the terms?
Amy: The short answer: you can?t. The long answer, they?ll get over it, or they won?t. The important thing is that you are using the correct words and talking about it. Make sure they have books to consult, so they can get their questions answered without having to have a conversation.
My Ask ANYTHING Journal is good for this -- your daughter can write her question to you and you write back. No embarrassing face-to-face time. And then you have some great conversations starters.
Finally, acknowledge that it?s uncomfortable to talk about this stuff and you totally understand that they don?t want to hear about it. Then I would go on to say that part of your job as their mom is to keep them healthy and safe and talking about sex, love and relationships is part of the deal.
Want to get involved in the conversation? Have an anecdote or a comment about talking to your kids about sex? Visit the Moms in Babeland blog and share your experiences with others!