What you wished you would have told them about earlier

[idaismyname]

I currently have an eight year old. I was talking to some of her friends parents recently and it was interesting to know what things they had and hadn't discussed with their eight year olds.
Some had talked to them about everything from abortion, sex, std's, oral sex etc. While others haven't approached any of those sorts of topics. I have discussed sex, drugs, safety issues, among other things with my daughter.
I was curious as parents of teenagers what issues did you wish you had discussed earlier with your kids.
I was shocked the other day when a third grade parent said her child asked if oral sex is sex. I never thought to dive into that topic already, but apparently I need to.
Just curious

[Celtain]

If you have an open, accepting relationship you don't have to dive into anything. My dd will come to me when she has questions about *taboo* subjects, when she is ready to deal with the information.

We have talked about all the subjects you mentioned and more. These conversations usually get started about 2 days after I say to her, "Now you know, you can talk to me about anything. I would rather be uncomfortable giving you the correct information, that allow you to have the wrong information."

(One startling exception, during the super bowl there was a commertial for erectile dysfunction, she asked me what it was. I told her that I wasn't ready to go quite there yet, but daddy would be happy to discuss it with her) I know shame on me, but it just came flying out of my mouth!!!!!!

Good luck to you. Well, good luck to all of us!!!

[CincoDeMama]

hmmmm. well, what you mentioned (oral sex being sex) is def in my top three (see my post in the thread below)

other than that, i'd have to say that i've added some more info on rape. ie: "no, means no". this is not something my parents ever discussed with me, so talking about it was new to me, but i've made it one of those subjects where my kids prolly know more about it than some adults (imo, this is a good thing).

thirdly, i'd have to say that not talking about different kinds of body shapes would also be a change i've made. as in, various sizes of genetalia & shapes of bodies, etc. my ds told me he was shocked & a little taken aback when he first started dressing out in gym in 8th grade, lol (poor kid) now, we have discussed (at length) circ & the differences between the two (he was cut & his two subsequent brothers & one sister were left whole).

i think that's it for now. i'll think more about it tonight & add more as the thoughts (and time) hit me.

[Dar]

I've never really planned any of this... stuff just comes up, a she's ready to deal with it.

I do think it's important, when you're talking about sex, to include information about erections, the clitoris, and orgasms. Also, I would point out that it can feel very, very good to both people involved.

I'd also point out that drugs make you feel good, in some ways.

Dar