Age-appropriate Topics for Discussion with Your Child
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that as a parent you should:
- Teach your child about the privacy of body parts. Some parents describe these as areas covered by a bathing suit.
- Listen when your child tries to tell you something, especially when it seems hard for them to talk about it.
- Know who your child is spending time with. Be careful about allowing your child to spend time in out-of-the-way places with other adults or older children. Make visits to your child's caregiver without notice. Ask about the time your child spends with sitters.
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Give your child enough of your time so the child will not seek attention from other adults.
Discussion Topic by Age
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18 months
Teach your child the proper names for body parts.
3-5 years
Teach your child about private parts of the body and how to say no to sexual advances. Give straightforward answers about sex.
5-8 years
Discuss safety away from home and the difference between good touch and bad touch. Encourage your child to talk about scary experiences.
8-12 years
Stress personal safety. Start to discuss rules of sexual conduct that are accepted by the family.
13-18 years
Continue to stress personal safety. Discuss rape, date rape, sexually transmitted diseases, and unintended pregnancy.