Talking with teens about what they want for dinner can be hard enough so it’s no wonder that Aussie parents dread ‘the talk’. It can be awkward, difficult and if your parents didn’t talk with you about things like sex and drugs then you don’t even have a script to copy from!
Never fear, we’ve delved into the advice from experts to bring you a quick and easy guide to talking with your teens about all the wonders and horrors of the world.
It’s Never Too Early
You know your kids better than anyone so go with your gut when it comes to what to talk about first but know that it’s never too early. Some topics are more relevant for older teens like contraception and binge drinking but pre-teens and below can benefit from knowing things like the anatomical names for their body parts and where babies come from. This lays the foundation for more complex talks further down the line.
Find Out What They Know
A study of more than 940 young people found the typical age for boys to view porn for the first time was 13, and 16 for girls*. And that’s just sexual imagery, there is also an abundance of content in the media and online about drugs and alcohol. A great start is to figure out what your teen knows, or thinks they know, about these topics and use that as a jumping off point. Be sure to explain that how things appear online is not reality.
It’s a Ongoing Conversation Not a Lecture
As most parents know, the second you start lecturing their eyes will glaze over. Try focusing on asking questions and letting them ask you anything they want. Respond calmly, without judgement, the goal is for them to know they can come back to you with questions at any time and you will be there with support and accurate information. As their bodies continue to change and they experience new things, your role is to be a guide.
Honesty is the Best Policy
Depending on the age and maturity level of your teen, try to be as forthcoming as you can. Yes, having sex the first time can hurt, no, masturbation won’t make you go blind and yes, I got drunk as a teen. If you don’t know the answer to a question, just say so and look it up together. You’ll build trust by being vulnerable and they’ll know you’re on their side.