How do I tell my children, ages 9 and 11,  about sex?
540932
You could do like everyone else and have them log on here.  We'll tell them for you.\n\nBut if you insist on doing it yourself, I suggest you wait until they start asking questions like "Where do babies come from?" and "Why does my little sister have a vagina and I have a penis?"  \n\nYou should handle them individually and not at the same time because they are not the same age or gender and can't process the information identically.\n\nAnswer all questions honestly and leave the stork to parents that lie to their kids.  And whatever you do, don't villianize sex, but simply say that there is a time and a place for everything.\n\nNOTE: Your goal is to make them as comfortable as possible when discussing sex with you.  Don't overload them, and never scold them for stuff that is only natural.  If you do, you can be assured of being left out of the loop when it comes time to discussing whether or not to have sex with their BF or GF.
965791
Hello!! :o) Like some others who have already responded - I'm also curious as to how you know. But lets just assume that you 'accidentally' saw your son and his friend give each other 'hand jobs'. Contrary to what some guys say - a LOT of guys [especially young guys like your son] 'experiment' with each other. And more often than not - it goes no farther than 'mutual masturbation'. It's not a 'sign' of anything insofar as sexual orientation is concerned. [If it was - than MOST guys would be GAY - because MOST guys have had at least SOME same-sex 'experience'!!] But should you DO something about it?! Well... like what?! You certainly can't make it stop. You could - I suppose - threaten him or shame him. But that would just backfire and destroy whatever relationship you have with him. A parent always wants to keep the doors open [Emotionally speaking] and a sure way of closing those 'doors' is to make a child feel ashamed for being HUMAN. IF [and this is a BIG 'IF'] you have a good relationship with your son - and HAVE in past talked openly about things, including [perhaps] sex - you COULD bring up the topic in a 'round-about way. Without actually talking about him [and his friend] specifically [at least not at first] you could mention how normal it IS for kids to 'experiment' sexually with their friend. And let him know that THAT is OK. But also let him know that it's important to be careful about not getting carried away and doing things that maybe he [and his friend] shouldn't BE doing. THEN let him know that your 'door' is always open and he CAN talk to you about anything. AND that anything he tells you will be kept private. [And keep that promise!!] Saying anymore to him at this stage would probably just confuse him. I hope that helps. Craig!! :o)
173836
I personally think it's a good thing that people are asking questions. Reguardless of age. You dont know who is asking these questions. Not many families talk to their children about sex. Kids go out there and try and learn from the tv or whatever. Its people that aren't educated about sex that are out there spreading diseases. The more knowledge someone has on a topic the better off they are. Knowledge is power folks. Whatever questions you have, if I have something to offer I will give my best and honest answer I can. I think that's the reason for a site of this nature.
572042
Education...start with kids early. The family must be involved. Take the mystery away from sex and be open and honest about how this terrible disease is spread. Kids start having sex earlier than parents want to admit, and they have to face that fact. So, the parents must be educated, as well.\nFree condoms should be offered to teens, if anyone is sexually active, they should be taught the importance of having physicals every year, and being checked for the virus. The importance of abstinence until they really know their partner should also be reinforced. But in reality, we must realize that probably won't happen.\nI feel education is our number one intervention and should be started as early as children are able to understand.
403091
You should be honest up front. Then take it slow. Later on when you feel comfortable you could introduce them to your kids.
613918
You sound like you have good intentions but teach them first that there is alot more to life than sexual pleasure. Make sure they are old enough also to understand what responsibility is because they will most likely remember the pleasure part and forget the responsibility part. Just be very careful and use good judgment.
381380
i'm a 17 year old girl and i'm not much older than a 15 year old and i think that it's absolutely great that you and your daughter can communicate like that, if you feel comfortable with buying her one and she really wants one, why not?! she's not hurting herself, or harming anyone else, and if she really wants one why don't you ask her what kind of vibrator she's interested in? if she's mature about it, i don't think you will have any problems!\n\ntimes have changed and i think it's great to be that open with your kids, atleast you are communicating and you don't have a child who you know nothing about!\ngood luck with everything :)
669852
Some people find it easier to begin with general biological stories to explain sex to their kids. Children are familiar with birds raising their young in nests, and with bees pollinating flowers, and then can be told that humans have sex too.
981649
The same reason people promote abstinence-only sex ed and refuse to allow for distribution of condoms to minors--they are deluded into thinking that if we don't talk to our children about sex, they won't have sex.  Clearly, that's not working--we need to equip our children to be able to protect themselves.
559587
sure booty calls could end up with two people falling in love sex is the most intimate thing you can share with someone at first i'd just let the kids think your just FRIENDS let them get to know each other and see how things progress from there.
643714
Do it? Like as in have sex? I guess 5th grade is old enough to learn about family life and sex education in school. Sex isn't gross but it does take two responsible and mature individuals. It's a beautiful thing.  Good luck with your project.
769511
Don't be too strict...don't let them run with the ball...but if they lift there pivit foot once don't sweat it...Let them touch each other but don't let them intentionally do it...if something is questionable let it slide...At that age the kids are just now learning the game...and calling every little thing won't help anything...all it'll do is make it a stop and go game...which no one will enjoy
973594
You shouldn't put your kids in this position.  I think it really confuses them about who has what role in their lives.  How old are they?  If they are old enough, tell them the truth, but if they are young, just tell them the necessary information.
916092
at a young age  erections are not sexual they r uncontrollable bc kids dont know what causes it or how to stop and start it. I think at 4 or 5 it is time to let them doit themself. but dont freak out it is very normal.
936990
Depends what kind of hogwash the schools are corrupting your kids brain with.  Apparently everything seems to be abstenince, abstenince, abstenince these days. Does that actually work?  A TX based study says not at all, and other studies say that atleast half of all teens have engaged in oral.  Anyone know what the actual intercourse percentage is? I cant find it. Besides, whats a teens first response to something thats 'forbidden'?\n Want to teach your kids about sex, actually TEACH them about it.  About the dangers of unprotected sex, how the consequences of such can potentialy screw lives. Teach them sex isnt just sex or 'f*ing around'. Its sacred, its to be cherished.  The more they actually know, the more likely, I think, theyll wait.
654683
Ultimatly, it will be her choice whether to have sex or not. But if are open about sex with your kids, at least the child can make an informed decision about having sex.
1157059
When I was about 11, my cousin and I, she was 10 attempted to have sex but we were both to young and stupid to know exactly what to do. Although we did know where everything went.