Why It's So Hard to Talk About Sex with Kids (And Why It’s So Important)

I meet a lot of adults—especially parents—who are quick to talk about the juicy details of their own or other people’s sex lives. Conversations about intimate moments, past adventures, and spicy stories often flow freely among friends and family. But when it comes to talking to their own kids about the basics of sex, many parents freeze up.

In a world where people openly discuss sexual experiences and relationships, why is it so difficult to explain the basic mechanics of sex to a child who’s actually ready to learn? Why is teaching kids about their own bodies, sexual health, and how human reproduction works somehow more uncomfortable than recounting the most awkward, youthful encounters?

Wouldn’t it be easier to focus on the basics of sex education? We live in a time where conversations about gender identity, LGBTQIA+ issues, and even online dating apps are common. But who’s teaching kids how their bodies actually work? How do they grow? How do relationships form, and how do we create life?

The problem is clear: while kids are learning complex topics like gender and relationships from the internet and their peers, many are missing the foundational sex education they need to grow up healthy, informed, and empowered.

Why Parents Need to Start the Sex Education Conversation Early

I was recently teaching a sex education workshop for 5th graders when I encountered an eye-opening moment. One girl, well-versed in the ins and outs of gender identity and trans issues, raised her hand enthusiastically every time I discussed the biological anatomy of male and female bodies. She made sure I understood the nuances of gender, but when I asked her basic questions like, “Do you know what menstruation is?” or “Can you explain what a wet dream is?” she had no idea.

This girl was about to start her period a few days later. Had she not been in my class, she would’ve had no idea what was happening to her body. She could tell me everything about being a trans person, but she lacked even the basic understanding of how reproduction works.

Don’t get me wrong: learning about gender identity and LGBTQIA+ topics is vital. But how can kids understand complex issues like gender without first grasping the basics of their own bodies? Understanding how our bodies function, grow, and change is the foundation on which all other sex education topics are built. Before a child can contemplate gender identity, they should know how their body will develop and what changes to expect during puberty.

Sex Education for Parents: Start Early, and Start Simple

According to pediatricians, sex education should start as early as toddlerhood—in simple, age-appropriate ways. You don’t need to dive into discussions about sexual intercourse right away, but introducing body awareness, respect for personal space, and proper body part names can lay the groundwork.

Many parents wonder, "When is the best age to talk about sex?" The answer: the earlier, the better. Kids are becoming curious about sex by age 5. The problem is, if parents don’t start the conversation early, children turn to unreliable sources, like friends or the internet, for answers.

Let’s face it: do you want your child learning about sex from a peer at school, a random search online, or a PE teacher you don’t know well? I’m guessing not. As a parent, you are your child’s primary guide when it comes to understanding their bodies, relationships, and sexuality. No one cares more about them than you.

The Power of Open, Honest Conversations About Sex

Even if it feels uncomfortable, talking to your child about sex is essential. The benefits of having these open, ongoing conversations are profound. Foundational sex education empowers your child with knowledge and respect for their own bodies and boundaries, boosts self-confidence, and helps them navigate healthy relationships throughout their life.

That’s why I created the Clarify Lesson Series—a resource designed to help parents teach sex education with ease. The series includes short, age-appropriate sex ed videos that cover everything from puberty and body changes to relationships and online safety. These videos provide the foundational knowledge kids need to understand how their bodies work and what to expect as they grow.

Each video is paired with a parent guide filled with tips, discussion prompts, and reflection activities. The guide gives you everything you need to tailor the information to your family’s values and ensure your child receives the information they need to make informed decisions about their body and relationships.

Start the Conversation Today with the Clarify Starter Bundle

Are you ready to be your child’s go-to source for sex education? Don’t wait for them to get their information from unreliable sources. With the Clarify Starter Bundle, you can begin teaching them about their bodies and relationships today. This sex ed to go for parents includes everything you need to have clear, age-appropriate conversations about sex, puberty, and respect.

Your child deserves the confidence and knowledge that comes from a solid foundation in sex education. And so do you.

Get started today with the Clarify Lesson Series and make sex education a natural part of your parenting journey.