In this episode of Real Talk with Kid Docs, we explore how to have the awkward and sometimes  difficult conversations with your children - you know, the ones about sex and drugs that we try to always push for another day. We are joined by Dr. Stan Brewer, D.O., a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist to help guide us. 

We are reminded of the importance in developing an open and honest relationship with your kids to support these conversations and really all conversations at any age. 

A few tips: 

-Start earlier than you think.  You want them to hear it from you first. 

-Follow your kid's lead and engage in their curiosity to develop the conversation. For example, it is very natural for elementary age children to have questions about body parts. Use that to guide the conversation. 

-Use language and terms that are correct and appropriate. Stick with a level that fits their maturity level.

It feels like the tween and teen years are new and unfamiliar territory. Remember, you have been parenting for a while now. Build on things you have already talked about in their younger years. You may be more prepared than you think!

Where do I even start? Well, often, the first question kids ask that makes a parent squirm is, "Where do babies come from?" Dr. Brewer recommends the following book series to start the conversation off with young kids so you can build them later. These books are recommended for ages 4-8 years. 

It's So Amazing! A book about eggs, sperm, birth, babies and families 
It's Not the Stork: A book about girls, boys, babies, bodies, families and friends 
It's Perfectly Normal: Changing bodies, growing up, sex and sexual health

All by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley