Hey there,

This week, a parent has asked me,

‘Can you talk about contraception with 11 and 12 year olds?’

So, some of you know that I live in Ireland.

And I go in to schools to talk to 11- and 12-year-olds about sexuality, puberty and relationships.

Here in Ireland, information about contraception is NOT on the school curriculum for that age group.

But the World Health Organisation says that children of this age can understand the basics of how contraception works much younger that 11.

So…

To raise confident and caring young people who respect themselves and the people around them we need to lay the groundwork for all sort of topics from an early age.  

That means we can give our young kids basic information that they can build on as they grow up.

So that when our young person gets to an age where they actually NEED info about contraception, we’ve already given them the basics before they get too embarrassed to listen to us.

We have given them some accurate information that helps them make good decisions about their own health and happiness.

So yes, we can talk about it!

Not cos they need the information right now. Or anytime soon.

But because frankly it’s easier to chat about it to your kid when they are younger – you can tell them people can plan a family, and that we’re able to decide when and if we choose to create new humans – so that by the time your kid is a super awkward teen who might need this info, :) they already have the basics of it.

And not only that.

You’ve also created a culture in your family, over time, where it’s ok and normal to talk openly about these things.

We’ve a lot more to say on this super important topic.

Stuff about: not everyone can make new humans.

Stuff about: the myths that your kids might hear.

Stuff about: STIs, and fertility issues, and other things too.

So, yes – especially if it’s not on the curriculum where you live, you have a great opportunity to chat about that stuff at home.

For more,  listen to this week's episode.