As a parent you will answer thousands of questions but the ones about relationships and sexuality are often the most challenging to answer. Some parents can be so worried about giving an absolutely perfect answer that they end up saying nothing at all.

You and your family are the most important source of relationships and sexuality information for your children. More than anyone else, you will lay the foundations for well adjusted, confident and healthy children who go on to experience positive, respectful relationships.

So what is the best way to handle these very important questions? It’s simple – talking a little and often makes a positive difference to your child’s sexual health.

In response to advice that parents needed support in their role as the primary sex educators of their children, WA Health has developed Talk soon. Talk often:a guide for parents talking to their kids about sex. This free resource has been developed to help parents initiate regular and relaxed conversations with their children about relationships and sexuality education.

First published in 2011 and updated in 2019, this resource includes:

– age and stage guidance for parents of children 0 to 18 years
– how to answer tricky questions on topics such as how babies are made, puberty, sexting, contraception and sex
– conversations starters
– key messages on preparing your teen for healthy sexually active lives, consent, contraception and sexually transmissible infections
– Western Australian and Australian statistics
– references to services and reliable websites and books.

Click here to download resources >>