DVD Excerpt: Dr. Barry Zuckerman: One of the best things parents can do for their children is to help them develop a healthy sexuality. This means to love and be loved, to trust and be trusted, and to develop healthy relationships. Communication is the corner stone to achieve these goals. Jeanne Blake: But talking about sexuality with children is a tremendous challenge. Particularly if you, like most adults, grew up in a home where sexuality was rarely discussed. During this program we'll hear from parents who tell us how they've tried to raise sexually healthy kids. While they reflect a range of values they all agree on one thing. They want their children to learn differently. Ann: I'm sure all of you have gone through the moment um when you learn about sex and I remember lying in bed one night thinking, Gross my parents did it. I remember running through the neighborhood thinking, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson did it. And that awful feeling, Kid: I think why it's important for parents to listen to their kids is so they don't feel left out they don't feel like they're getting ignored and just so they feel like they're part of it and they don't, they have self esteem. Pam Wilson: Listen, listen, listen, is something I say over and over to parents. Because if in fact, they can tune into their children, try to understand how their children feel about things, the children will be more likely to come to them. Kid: Your parents instill so many values in you and believe it or not they do carry those values into their lives even though you may not think about it you know but like those messages that you say do stay in their heads. Kim: And to tell them to just say no to sex when they are sitting potentially in the back seat of a car with some, with the hormones raging and someone kissing and telling them, I love you, I love you. And for them to turn to that person and say, no, is just not going to cut it. They need more skills and, um, information to be able to handle that situation. Gloria: We are very clear about the fact that you, that we do not want you to be having sex unless you're married, however you may arrive at that point where you will make a different choice. If you are going to make a different choice then be wise. Use a condom. Pam Wilson: If you do a great job of it, or if you do a reasonable job of it, then your children are more likely to have a healthy respect for their body, to know how their bodies function, and to have the sense that my body is good and not shameful, it's a source of pleasure and a source of health. Jeanne Blake: Children grow up quickly. So, there's no time like the present to improve your communication with them. It may not always seem like it, but they want to talk with you about sexuality. So watch for cues that they're ready to talk. Discuss the joys and the responsibilities of close relationships. Tell the truth and ask them what they think. When they share their thoughts, listen, really listen. It takes time and patience. But remember as a parent, you're helping your child prepare for life, to make responsible decisions and become a happy, sexually healthy adult.
DVD Excerpt: Dr. Barry Zuckerman: One of the best things parents can do for their children is to help them develop a healthy sexuality. This means to love and be loved, to trust and be trusted, and to develop healthy relationships. Communication is the corner stone to achieve these goals. Jeanne Blake: But talking about sexuality with children is a tremendous challenge. Particularly if you, like most adults, grew up in a home where sexuality was rarely discussed. During this program we'll hear from parents who tell us how they've tried to raise sexually healthy kids. While they reflect a range of values they all agree on one thing. They want their children to learn differently. Ann: I'm sure all of you have gone through the moment um when you learn about sex and I remember lying in bed one night thinking, Gross my parents did it. I remember running through the neighborhood thinking, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson did it. And that awful feeling, Kid: I think why it's important for parents to listen to their kids is so they don't feel left out they don't feel like they're getting ignored and just so they feel like they're part of it and they don't, they have self esteem. Pam Wilson: Listen, listen, listen, is something I say over and over to parents. Because if in fact, they can tune into their children, try to understand how their children feel about things, the children will be more likely to come to them. Kid: Your parents instill so many values in you and believe it or not they do carry those values into their lives even though you may not think about it you know but like those messages that you say do stay in their heads. Kim: And to tell them to just say no to sex when they are sitting potentially in the back seat of a car with some, with the hormones raging and someone kissing and telling them, I love you, I love you. And for them to turn to that person and say, no, is just not going to cut it. They need more skills and, um, information to be able to handle that situation. Gloria: We are very clear about the fact that you, that we do not want you to be having sex unless you're married, however you may arrive at that point where you will make a different choice. If you are going to make a different choice then be wise. Use a condom. Pam Wilson: If you do a great job of it, or if you do a reasonable job of it, then your children are more likely to have a healthy respect for their body, to know how their bodies function, and to have the sense that my body is good and not shameful, it's a source of pleasure and a source of health. Jeanne Blake: Children grow up quickly. So, there's no time like the present to improve your communication with them. It may not always seem like it, but they want to talk with you about sexuality. So watch for cues that they're ready to talk. Discuss the joys and the responsibilities of close relationships. Tell the truth and ask them what they think. When they share their thoughts, listen, really listen. It takes time and patience. But remember as a parent, you're helping your child prepare for life, to make responsible decisions and become a happy, sexually healthy adult.