Printer FriendlyTalking to Your Tween about Sexuality:
What Your Tween Needs to Know
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Remember that sexuality is a much larger topic than sexual intercourse. It also includes things such as gender, emotions, intimacy, caring, loving, flirtation, sexual orientation, and reproduction. Talking to your tween about sexuality is an opportunity to share with them your beliefs about healthy behavior and relationships.
Here are some things that tweens should know about...
Puberty
- The changes they can expect in their bodies before puberty
- How normal developmental changes begin, and when these changes occur (for males and females)
- Emotional changes during puberty
- The facts about menstruation
Sexuality
- Human sexuality is a natural part of life
- How behavior can be seen as sexual and how to deal with sexual behavior
- Healthy sexual relationships are built on trust and respect; saying NO is okay
Reproduction
- How babies are made and what behaviors are likely to lead to pregnancy
- Having sex and having babies are important choices
- Having a child is a long-term responsibility and that every child deserves mature, responsible, loving parents
Contraception/Pregnancy/Abortion
- Prevention of pregnancy, including decision not to have sex
- Contraceptives (birth control methods)
- Pregnancy and abortion
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
- Types of STDs
- How a person gets STDs, including oral sex
- How a person can protect themselves from STDs
- How STDs are treated
Abuse/Risky Situations
- How to recognize and protect themselves against potential sexual abuse
- How to deal with peer pressure and get out of risky situations
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Updated: 6/23/2011
