At what age did you have THE talk with your kids? how did you go about it? what did you say?

i believe you have the talk more than once and it gets different as they get older. The first one should be around 8-9. I know that sounds young but it is important they hear from you first because many many kids know about it already. aslo many kids start puberty that young i had my first pubic hair at 8 and i know girls who had periods at 8 or 9. At that age you talk about the basics of puberty as related to their sex and what will happen to them. Also the generic about sex.

As they get older you talk about STD's protection how to use a condom etc

My mom started talking to me when I started asking questions, so we probably started talking when I was very young. My mom was always honest (I never thought that babies came from the stork or the supermarket) but kept the talks age appropriate.

After that, we talked semi regularly, going into greater detail. Because of this (and my parents fabulous ways in general ^_^) I've always been completely comfortable talking to them about everything. I know about the physical and emotional risks and rewards of sex, and when I'm ready to do much more than kissing, I'll most likely talk to my mom first.

Teaching my kids about sex is one of the more nerve racking parts of parenting, and the part I'm probably the most nervous about (I'll have my parents on speed dial). The most important thing is to set aside any discomfort and answer questions openly and honestly.

I think one should start as soon as they are born, you don't stop talking. That is, when they are little, use the proper words to describe their body parts, if they ask about where babies come from tell them the limited story of "a baby starts when a mom and dad get really close" or talk about the mechanics of gestation and delivery. The talk/conversation progresses as they get older of course. Early on it's about establishing the proper language to talk about one's body, and an comfort in talking about the body. If they feel like you can talk about their body parts without shame when they are babies you will be able to talk to them about more intimate things later.

I mean the mechanics, about how to be responsible and respectful, when and how you think it's okay to be sexually active, and of course about avoiding STDs and pregnancy. There are plenty of studies showing that kids who are comfortable talking to their parents about sex remain virgins until about age 18, and they have less partners then those raised in homes where sex and sexuality are taboo topics.

What's the take home message, there is no one sex talk - it is a life long conversation with your child! It's important to really think about what you think is okay and what isn't, so that you are ready for the questions that are sure to come. And starting at an early age helps you frame the future conversation.

Right now my toddler and preschooler know they have a penis, testicles and anus. The oldest knows girls have a vulva and no testicles. When he asked what's it for, I told him it was for the same thing that his penis is for and left it at that. They both know babies come from the mom, out of her bottom, and that's about it. They don't need to know more right now, although I expect we will be getting into more depth as they get older. It was embarrassing for me when my oldest asked "What's a vulva for?", and I initially started going into to much detail and realized as a 3 year old he's not asking about that. It's not easy, even when you're dealing with the simplistic part of our bodies, but I am hoping it stays only as hard as it has been.

We've been talking to the kids about their body parts, how they work, how they are going to work when they are bigger, how they grew inside of me & how they got out, etc - ever since they were born, really. Just a natural part of every day conversations, bath times, being in the bathroom with mom or dad times, cuddle up & tell me about the day I was born times, etc.

Well my parents never had the talk with me. I guess they figured that we would learn about it at school. But I would suggest talking to them in about the 6th grade now a days. People are having sex younger and younger. The sooner the better.

there are plenty of books you can buy designed to aim at your child,age appropriately.My son has done sex education already at school at 11 and appears confident.Maybe as my daughter gets older Ill need to discuss things earlier to prepare her for periods etc.Good luck x

my parents really never had the talk with me I just new if you feel like you should have the talk you'll know when the time is right

birds and the bees when they are 6ish