Sex Positive Parenting: Kids Found the Condoms

This is the first of hopefully many in a series called Sex Positive Parenting. As something I discuss with people in many contexts, part of being sex positive is providing a sex positive environment for the entire family. This includes honest conversations with children and teens about reproduction, sexuality and heath.

This following article, found at SEXPress, is written by my former advisor, Laura Stuart, MPH. There’s many good tidbits about how to address a situation when children found condoms in their parents’ possession.

If a child finds condoms and already knows the basics of “how babies are made” or the mechanics of sexual intercourse, you can remind the child of the book, class or discussion where they learned about sex or reproduction, followed by brief information about what condoms do (e.g., “Remember your book about how babies are made? This is something that keeps babies from being made before parents are ready for them.”). If the child doesn’t know a lot about sex and reproduction, you can answer in a less specific way about what condoms do (e.g., “This is something that grown-ups use to keep themselves healthy and safe.”)

Having this quick, honest explanation handy is only part of creating an atmosphere that does not stigmatize sex, and the way to discuss sex with children and teens is definitely a dynamic and evolving process. Keep an eye out for more articles on Sex Postive Parenting!