It's never too early to talk to your children about birth control, according to a 2009 study published in the journal "Pediatrics" that found more than 40 percent of adolescents have engaged in sexual activity before their parents talked to them about birth control. The study suggests that parents should talk to children about birth control even earlier than they might think they need to.
Step 1
Start your conversation by referencing sexually related content from a television show, movie or song. Ask your child what he thought when he saw or heard that particular reference.
Step 2
Ask your child questions: How old do you think people should be before they start dating one another? Are any of your friends dating? Base your questions on your child's age and responses. You probably don't need to talk about oral sex to your 6-year-old, but you may want to talk about it with your 10-year-old.
Step 3
Encourage your child to ask you questions. Listening to your child's questions helps you gauge his concerns so that you can give him the information he needs. Be matter-of-fact and honest when you answer questions. Share your values and opinions in your answer, but make it clear to your child that you respect his values and opinions, too.
Step 4
Tell your child that as she gets older, she may want to be intimate with someone. Encourage her to talk to you before she makes that decision so that you can help her be prepared.
Step 5
Explain to your child that birth control helps prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and make sure he understands that he should always use birth control when he has sex to protect himself and his partner. Explain how different kinds of birth control work and show him how to use a condom.
Step 6
Let your child know that abstinence, or not having sex, is the best way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't wait for your child to ask you about sex before you talk to him about birth control. It can be uncomfortable for children to talk to their parents about sex, and they may avoid asking you even if they want the information.
