For Parents

At Planned Parenthood, we know that parents want to be the main source of information about sexuality for their children. We also know that many parents want some help!

We live in a very sexual world. There are messages about sex all around us - on the radio & TV, in movies, magazines and music. Sex is used to sell everything from soap to sports cars. Political and religious leaders have a lot to say about sex, too. Despite all the talk, our kids don't get much useful information.

Many kids become confused and may be pressured to have sex before they're ready. Too often sexual abuse, sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancy shape the lives of young people.

Are you looking for materials to help talk with your child about sexuality issues? Planned Parenthood has materials that can help get the conversation started.

Here are some highlights:

The brochure "How to Talk with Your Child about Sexuality" covers what kids want to know and when the need to know it. Understanding sexuality helps kids cope with their feelings and with peer pressure. There is no such thing as too much information: information does not encourage kids to be sexually active.

This brochure also includes strategies for parents to overcome their own discomfort with talking about sex as well as guidelines on when's the best time to start talking.

Individual copies of this brochure are free. Call the External Affairs Department at 724-5550.

Other resources include the award-winning parent/child communication kit Talking About Sex - A Guide for Families. The kit includes a 30 minute animated video, a parent's guide and an activity workbook for children ages 10 - 14. This kit is now only $15.00 and can be ordered by phone or online...see our Emporium.