How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex Without Making It Weird 😬

Alright, folks. It’s time to talk about the birds and the bees—or, as it should be called, sex education that doesn’t scar your kids for life. If you’re dreading this convo, take a deep breath. You’ve got this. And honestly? The more normal you make it, the better.

Here are five key strategies for keeping the talk age-appropriate, ongoing, and not a one-time, sweat-inducing, “let’s get this over with” event.

1️⃣ Make It an Ongoing Conversation, Not a One-Time Horror Story

Repeat after me: One awkward, hours-long lecture does NOT do the job.

Sex education should be a constant, casual conversation that evolves as your kid grows. Here’s how:

✔ Teach little ones the correct names for body parts (not “wee-wee” or “cookie” – just no).

✔ Encourage independence in self-care (washing private parts, knowing their bodies).

✔ Correct inappropriate talk with kindness, not shame.

✔ With older kids and teens, talk about real-life situations—first crushes, boundaries, and even awkward-but-necessary topics like kissing etiquette.

2️⃣ Start With Consent (and Keep Reinforcing It Forever)

Consent isn’t just about sex—it’s about respecting boundaries in every situation. Start when they’re little:

✔ No forced hugs or kisses. (Yes, even with Grandma.)

✔ Teach them that "no" means no—whether it’s about sharing toys or personal space.

✔ With older kids, clearly define consent in friendships, relationships, and dating.

✔ If you suspect your teen is entering a relationship, make sure they understand what consent looks like and why it matters.

3️⃣ Know What Schools Teach—and Fill in the Gaps

Surprise! School sex ed is NOT enough. Even the best programs leave out critical info. And if you’re not filling those gaps? Google and porn will. (Yikes.)

✔ Find out what your child’s school covers.

✔ Ask your kid what they’re learning.

✔ Normalize conversations about sex before they start looking for answers elsewhere.

Trust me, if they don’t get the info from you, they will get it from their friends, YouTube, or worse—Reddit.

4️⃣ Don’t Wait Until Puberty to Start the Talk

If you hold off on “the talk” until they’re tweens, you’re already late to the party. Kids absorb info way earlier than you think.

Where do they get it?

✔ Friends (often misinformed ones).

✔ Older siblings/cousins.

✔ TikTok & YouTube.

✔ That one kid in class who definitely knows too much.

The earlier you start having age-appropriate convos, the more trusted and open your relationship will be when the big questions come up.

5️⃣ Teach Kids to Talk About Sex Respectfully

Let’s be real—bragging about hookups (especially among teen boys) is so common—and so not okay.

✔ Teach kids that sex isn’t a status symbol or something to gloat about.

✔ Discuss the importance of keeping relationships private and respecting their partner’s boundaries.

✔ If they do want to share personal details, they should have their partner’s consent first.

✔ Nip “locker room talk” in the bud before it happens. Better yet? Teach them to shut it down when their friends start.

🚨 BONUS TIP (For Any Kids or Teens Reading This, From Your Future Self)

DO. NOT. SEND. NUDES.

Not to your crush. Not to your super trustworthy boyfriend/girlfriend. Not to anyone.

✔ It’s illegal if you’re underage.

✔ It can spread and ruin lives faster than you think.

✔ Once it’s out there, you can’t take it back.

I promise you, no one has ever regretted not sending a nude. Stay smart.

💚 Need help having these conversations with your child or teen? We’re here to support you.📞 Call or text: 614-470-4466📧 Email: admin@achievepsychology.org🌐 Visit: www.achievepsychology.org