FINAL TSTO Lesa Dec 14.pdf - Flipbook - Page 34
Right from the word go we tried to
develop bedtime rituals that will
last into high school years. So Josh
loves his back scratched. That’s
got a direct link to his jaw, so you
just - you know scratch his back.
And it’s a great time for sharing
and catching up on the day and all
those other sorts of things.
- Parent of two boys (13 and 16
years) and a daughter ( 10 years)
To start a conversation, find old photos of your teenage years. Show off
the hairstyles, the clothes, but most of all use it as a conversation starter
to talk about how you felt about your appearance, your relationships, your
parents, and sex. Tell them what it was like being a girl or boy in those
days. Ask your teenager if they think things are different for young people
now.
Tell your child about using condoms and having safe sex. It might go against the
grain, but telling your children about the importance of looking after themselves does
not indicate approval of, or encourage them to have, sex. Your teenage children are
old enough to understand when you express an apparent contradiction: ‘I care about
you, and even though I don’t want you to do this, I do want to make sure you look
after yourself and others.’ It’s much more effective than telling them to ‘just say ‘no’.
Children and young people with a disability
Parents of children and teenagers with a disability may face added worry when
considering talking to their children about sex. Parents may be especially concerned
about the vulnerability and negative consequences of their child’s emerging
sexuality. But according to Family Planning NSW, the issues and concerns people
with disabilities have around sex and sexuality are no different. People with disability
have the same desires and dreams for intimacy and relationships as others, and
therefore require the same education to make informed decsions about their
sexuality. Although there can be some added barriers for children with disability in
learning about healthy relationships and sex – such as communication – these can
be overcome.
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It’s not always easy to know where to start when talking to your children about sex
and answering their questions, but Family Planning NSW staff reinforce that there are
plenty of ways parents can help their children.
