IS IT TOO EARLY TO HAVE ‘THE TALK’?

I know I have to talk to my ten-year-old daughter about the facts of life, sex and how babies are conceived, though not yet as I think it’s too soon. Do you agree? I am afraid that talking to her about sex might encourage her to experiment or get involved with boys too early. What is the best approach? Are there any books you could recommend? It’s not too soon. Many parents worry that talking to their children about sex when they are young will encourage sexual activity, but research shows that the opposite is true and it can in fact raise the age of sexual activity and reduce teenage pregnancy. The best way to do it is gradually, rather than putting it off and then having ‘the big talk’. Children of four, five or even younger ask questions about where babies come from. So parents can tell them that a woman has tiny eggs inside her and a man tiny sperm – and when they join up in a woman’s tummy, a baby starts to grow. As children ask more questions, parents need to explain that the man’s sperm is carried though his penis into the woman’s vagina. Tell children that when a couple love each other, sex or making love is special. Stress that it is important to wait until you are at least 17, 18 or older and that it is best as part of a loving relationship. A lot of girls have boyfriends very early these days, so when your daughter goes to secondary school, remind her from time to time never to feel under pressure by what other girls may say they are doing – and to resist any pressure boys might put her under, too. A helpful book is Understanding the Facts of Life by Susan Meredith (published by Usborne, €15.80). can be fun. I am not against trying new things sexually and would be open to doing this. Do you think that it would be foolish?