Do you remember having “the talk” when you were younger? October is known as “Let’s Talk Month” when parents and caregivers are encouraged to communicate with children and teens about healthy sexuality. Sexuality comprises a wide range of topics including
Do you remember having “the talk” when you were younger? October is known as “Let’s Talk Month” when parents and caregivers are encouraged to communicate with children and teens about healthy sexuality.
Sexuality comprises a wide range of topics including relationships, body image, gender identity, sexual orientation and prevention of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy.
Parents are the primary sexuality educators and studies have repeatedly shown that if trusted adults encourage open, honest communication within their families and about sexual health values, teens would be more likely to delay having sex and more likely to use condoms and birth control when they do become sexually active.
This year, we are emphasizing family conversations that underscore the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships and how pivotal this can be in sexual assault prevention.
We can all play a role in ensuring our keiki and youth learn about safe touch, boundaries, and the importance of clear consent.
We know these conversations might be awkward at first, and you shouldn’t expect to have all the answers. The important thing is having these conversations.
Open lines of communication and sex education are both critical ways young people can learn positive, healthy interpersonal relationship skills.
The new Board of Education policy concerning sexual health education emphasizes not only the importance of age-appropriate, medically accurate information, but also encourages parental involvement and links to community resources.
So, help our children understand that a healthy relationship is one that makes you feel good about yourself and each other, and one that makes you feel safe and respected. Community resources like the YWCA, Hale Opio, Child and Family Service, Malama Pono Health Services, and Planned Parenthood offer services and guidance that promote healthy relationships, which is the foundation of a strong, supportive island community.
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Cynthia Chang is the Kauai Community Outreach Educator for Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands. Check out www.plannedparenthood.org/parents for additional resources.
