New leaflet aims to make ‘birds and bees’ chat easier
A new booklet is being launched to help parents talk to their children about relationships and sex.
According to the results of a DCSF commissioned report1, three in four 11 to 14-year-olds said they would like to have a conversation with their mum, dad or carer about sex but find it too difficult.
Meanwhile, 86 per cent of parents thought there would be fewer teenage pregnancies if more parents talked to their teenagers about relationships and sex before it was too late.
The report found significant evidence that parents can counter risky behaviour, particularly when it comes to sex.
With that in mind, Warwickshire County Council’s Family Information Service and Warwickshire’s Respect Yourself Campaign have developed a leaflet called ‘Talking to your children about Relationships and Sex.’
It’s designed to be a useful guide to explain the reasons why it’s important to talk openly to their sons or daughters, when is the best time to discuss it and tips on how to make the conversation easier.
It also emphasises the importance of saying that ‘it is OK to wait’ before getting involved in relationships or sex, and provides useful contacts and websites offering more information.
Leaflets are available from the Family Information Service by calling 0845 090 8044 or 01926 742274, or by visiting http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fis.
Jenny Whateley, Respect Yourself Campaign Co-ordinator, said: “Parents play an important role in their children’s lives, so making conversations about relationships and sexual health as open and informal as possible can make all the difference.
“There will be times when parents don’t know the answer but the leaflet can help them direct their sons or daughters to the right place.”
Gavin Tristram from Warwickshire County Council’s Family Information Service added: “Everyday parenting can be tricky enough and talking about relationships and sex can seem particularly daunting, so the leaflet is designed to help make the conversation as informal and open as possible.”
Warwickshire’s Respect Yourself Campaign is also working with the Family and Parenting Support Service on an action plan that will increase the level of support to parents around talking to their children about relationships and sex.
Warwickshire’s Healthy School’s team has also designed a session for parents on Relationship and Sex Education that can be delivered by schools.
To find out more about Warwickshire County Council’s Family Information Service, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fis.
For more information regarding Warwickshire’s Respect Yourself Campaign or relationships and sexual health, visit http://www.respectyourself.info.