Talks Latest News, Photos and Videos

parenting Sep 15, 2010

Parenthood: Tips For Talking to Young Kids About Sex

Sydney popped the question at the park on last night's episode of Parenthood.

by POPSUGAR Moms

Sydney popped the question at the park on last night's episode of Parenthood. Joel and Julia fumbled for an answer when the child inquired about her origins, asking if she "came from a vagina." The couple uncomfortably confirmed that they all came from vaginas, but their daughter's probe continued. Kids often initiate the birds and the bees conversation well before their parents anticipate it. To ensure that you aren't caught off guard when your youngster broaches the subject, here are a few tips for keeping the impromptu and G-rated conversation as low-key and comfortable as possible.

Don't freak out. Your reaction sets the tone for future conversations.
Ask your tot what she knows and where she got her information. Then go from there. There's no need to break out charts and graphs for a 3-year-old.
Tell her an age-appropriate version of the truth.
Don't scare your kids by getting overly serious. Relax!
Encourage her to come to you in the future as she has further questions and/or thoughts.

Chime in with your own tips in the comments section!

parenting Jul 09, 2009

Comfortable Way For Families to Talk About Tough Topics

There comes a point in life when a mother must broach a subject that she's not sure how to approach.

by babysugar

There comes a point in life when a mother must broach a subject that she's not sure how to approach. Some mamas may get straight to the point and fire away while others sit and brew waiting for the perfect moment to arrive. Instead of mulling things over and making the situation uncomfortable, mom and dad can help create an open line of communication with a question box. Take an old shoebox and let the youngsters decorate it as they see fit then cut a slit in the top of it. During the week the kids and parents can toss in their questions in and the conversation will start to flow on Sunday night at dinner when the parents pull slips of paper from it to discuss. Eventually, the box can be tossed and mealtime becomes a time of free flowing discussion.

parenting Nov 07, 2008

Tips For Talking to Your Young Kids About Sex

Carrie Bradshaw didn't do me any favors.

by POPSUGAR Moms

Carrie Bradshaw didn't do me any favors. Thanks to the title of her famous movie, my daughter broached the subject of sex. As parents we know the time will come, I just didn't think it it would be so soon — at four and a half! From watching movie trailers and catching bits of playground gossip, she deduced that sex is sleeping with someone naked and kissing on the lips. In the course of of our impromptu and G-rated conversation, I realized that keeping the chat as low key and comfortable as possible opens the lines of communication.

Don't freak out. Your reaction sets the tone for future conversations.
Ask your tot what they know and where they got their information. Then go from there. There's no need to break out charts and graphs for a three-year-old.
Tell them an age-appropriate version of the truth.
Don't scare your kids by getting overly serious. RELAX!
Encourage them to come to you in the future as they have further questions and/or thoughts.

Photo courtesy of New Line Cinema

parenting Oct 24, 2008

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Talks

They say kids grow up fast, but lately I'm blown away.

by POPSUGAR Moms

They say kids grow up fast, but lately I'm blown away. Last week, my art obsessed daughter told me she can't wait to get a "needle" tattoo. I knew this was coming ever since she noticed mine as I stepped out of the shower a couple years ago. With wide eyes, she blurted out, "I want one," but I talked her in to waiting until she's 25. A couple days ago, she told me she "really needs a pink wig." I thought the conversation was headed toward Halloween, but she explained that it's because she's tired of having messy hair on the mornings I'm at work and my husband attempts to style it. "That way I can just put on a wig and go out," she explained. I'm considering caving on this one so she doesn't try to dye her hair.

Yesterday, she surprised me with the latest topic — sleeping with the opposite sex. A classmate told her he slept in the same bed as his girl cousin and they had a pretend wedding and kissed on the lips. In disbelief she said, "He doesn't even know that you can't marry your cousin. And, you're only supposed sleep with your boyfriend or girlfriend and kiss them on the lips!" My daughter is four and a half, I wonder what the topics of our conversations will be at 14?

Are you ever surprised by what your child talks about?
Source