10 tips for starting the talk

Article written by Becky White, Marketing Director, THINK Program

1. Start Early. Use this window of opportunity to talk with your children early and often about important issues such as love, sex, and relationships.

2. Start the talk. Don’t count on your child to come to you with questions — begin the conversation yourself.

3. Create an open dialogue. It’s up to you to create the kind of relationship with your child in which they can ask important questions.

4. Talk about love, sex, and relationships. It is normal to feel uneasy talking with your child about these topics. Educate yourself so you can provide accurate information.

5. Share your values. When talking with your child, remember to talk about your family’s values and what you feel is important.

6. Listen as much as you talk. Listening carefully lets your child know they are important. This can lead to valuable discussions about a wide variety of sensitive issues.

7. Be honest. Whatever your child’s age, they need honest answers and information. Honesty will build trust for further talks.

8. Be patient. Let your child think at their own pace. Listen daily to what they are saying about people they know, places they visit, and situations they are in that may be unhealthy or give cause for concern.

9. Use “teachable moments.” Moments in everyday life are a perfect chance to begin talking. Use TV shows and commercials to start a talk about teen pregnancy, peer pressure, relationships, or other topics that may be affecting your teen.

10. Talk about it again... and again... and again. Most children only want small bits of information at any one time — especially about heavy topics like love, sex, and relationships. They will not learn everything from a single discussion — give more than just “the talk!”