The
Background
The objective of the "SexTalk
For Parents" Program is to increase the confidence of parents to be the prime
sex educators of their children and to enable them to model healthy attitudes
to sexuality and relationships. The SexTalk for Parents
(STP) Program is provided under the auspices of LoveLife
Plus Pty Ltd. The ultimate aim is: "To enhance and improve the sexual
well-being of couples and individuals". STP is unique in that such sessions
are usually provided by Government funded agencies. No other private sector organisation
provides this service. The Director of LoveLife Plus - Lea
Shaw - is a health professional who has worked in the area of human sexuality
and women's health for over 15 years. This health experience spans all regions
of Queensland, other Australian states and the Asia/Pacific region. She is committed
to community access to information about human sexuality. LoveLife
Plus assures the quality of information and content presented through ensuring
that STP sessions are presented by trained community educators; approving the
content and market testing of the sessions; and through regular evaluation of
the program. Ultimately the quality of the program is reflected in the market
demand for the sessions.
The
Strategy
Sessions are provided for parents of preschool age
children and are organised for kindergarten and childcare associations through
parent committees and groups usually during evening meetings. The
strategic value of targeting parents of very young children is that it is during
the pre-school years that parents need to begin openly answering their children's
questions and providing relevant information to their children on sexual matters
appropriate to their developmental age and needs. They establish themselves as
"askable" parents so accurate information is communicated from parents
(not only peers) once children go to school. Parents need support to achieve this. A
range of books for parents and children has been carefully selected for these
sessions and will be available on the night for sale and perusal. These are also
available through the SexTalk for Parents and LoveLife Plus on-line shops. Followup
sessions are available for parents through the "Tonight's the Night"
events where couples and single parents are encouraged to attend "Tonight's
the Night" events to enhance their own relationships and improve their sexual
well-being. Information on a range of issues around
healthy sexuality is also available through the LoveLife Plus and SexTalk for
Parents websites.
The
principles SexTalk
for Parents assists parents to become "askable" parents. Our approach
is based on the beliefs that:
1.
As parents, you are the natural sex educators of your children.
2. All parents feel some discomfort discussing sexual matters
with their children.
3. Children learn about relationships through observing
your relationships and will adopt your attitudes and values (even if you never
talk to them about sex).
4. Your children will eventually get information
about sexual matters from other people and places but what they learn at home
will stick.
5. You should discuss with your partner how you will talk
to your children about sex.
6. You can never start too early answering
your children's questions simply and factually.
7. Being willing to discuss
sexual matters is as important as the information you give.
8. If your
children sense you are uncomfortable about their questions, they will stop asking.
Your "askability"
will be enhanced if you:
9. Take every
opportunity to proactively discuss relevant sexual issues as they arise e.g. having
a baby, having a period, emotions, love and feeling good. Your children will then
see this as a normal part of life.
10. Learn to be comfortable with small
children touching their genitals - it feels good for them.
11. Choose
books that you are comfortable reading to your children. And
remember:
12. Studies show that, for at least half of all young
people, age at first intercourse is around 16 years. Your children need information
and support long before this. | 
