What If My Kids Don’t Ask About Sex Ed Topics?

Wondering how to become an askable parent? AMAZE is here to help! In this episode, you’ll learn what to do if your kids don’t ask about sex ed topics, including how to use everyday moments to spark conversations, how to use the “remember when?” approach, and what to do if you freeze or give your kid incorrect information.

Become An Askable Parent is a podcast from AMAZE.org. AMAZE creates free educational videos + resources to help families talk openly, honestly, and less awkwardly about sex, health, relationships + growing up. The goal of the podcast is to help parents learn how to communicate better (even when they don’t have all the answers!) so their kids know that they can ask them anything.

Connect with AMAZE.org on YouTube (@amazeparents), Facebook (@amazeparents), and Twitter (@amazeorg).

Transcript

Host:   0:02
Welcome to the AMAZE podcast. AMAZE creates free educational videos and resources to help families talk openly, honestly and less awkwardly about sex, health relationships and growing up. Our goal is to help you become an askable parent through short, actionable podcast episodes. In today's episode, you'll learn what to do if  your kids don't ask about sex ed topics, including how to use everyday moments to spark conversations, how to use the "remember when?" approach, and what to do if you freeze or give your kid incorrect information. 

Educator:   0:40
Welcome back, everyone. So any more thoughts about the questions and answers we talked about last time?

Parent 1:   0:45
Yes, I am glad to have answers. But what if they're not asking the questions?

Educator:   0:51
Well, then I think you want to start the conversation yourself. They're going to have friends that are asking, and you want to make sure your kids are getting information this important from you, not through the grapevine.

Parent 2:   1:02
But how do you start an awkward conversation like that out of the blue?

Educator:   1:06
Well, let's think of a similar situation that doesn't have anything to do with sexuality. Name something else that's important to you that you really want your kids to know about.

Parent 3:   1:15
My religion.

Parent 1:   1:15
Family.

Parent 2:   1:16
The environment.

Parent 3:   1:16
Love and money  

Parent 3:   1:19
Robots from 1960 science fiction movies.

Educator:   1:22
Okay, well, how do you bring up those topics? You just weave them into everyday life, right? "Marcus, did you know this candy bar you love costs money? How much do you think it costs? Hey, Marcus, Did I ever tell you your great grandmother was an incredible cook? Let's make her special chicken soup when we get home. Marcus, do you see that woman in the checkout line? She has a baby growing inside her. Have you ever wondered how babies grow?" It's true. We can easily weave origin conversations into everyday life. Just like other important topics. Or suppose you've never talked about origins and one day you decide to. How might you casually bring up the subject?

Parent 4:   1:59
You could say, "You know, there's something we never talked about before. I think this is a good time."

Educator:   2:05
That's great. And what if you gave some information a while ago, but your child has never brought it up again?

Parent 2:   2:12
Oh! You could say, "Remember when we were talking about where babies grow before they're born? Did you ever wonder how they come out."

Educator:   2:18
Yes! "Remember when" is a great phrase to start out with.

Parent 2:   2:22
But what if you didn't quite tell the truth the time before?

Educator:   2:25
No problem. Just acknowledge it. Can someone try that out?

Parent 2:   2:29
Remember when I told you babies come from outer space? Well, that wasn't exactly correct.  

Parent 3:   2:35
Remember when you asked how two dads could have a baby and I just changed the subject? Well, I couldn't think of how to answer the question, but I'm ready now.

Educator:   2:45
Excellent, Brad and Terry! Parents always have the do over option. I'm so proud of all of you. You've given yourself some really great common sense ways to start. Use everyday experiences. Announce "let's talk about something new." Start out with "remember when?" and ask for a do over. And remember everyone, it's never too early to start talking about the things that are most important.

Parent 4:   3:09
Hey, I've been talking to my kids about robots since before they were born!

Host:   3:18
Thanks for joining us today! To find more free educational resources from AMAZE, including videos, book recommendations, conversational scripts, and more, visit AMAZE.org. You can also connect with us on YouTube and Facebook at @amazeparents and on Twitter at @amazeorg. Thanks for listening!