Hi again and welcome back to the savvy psychologist. I'm your host Dr.

Alan Hendrickson and every week I'll help you meet life's challenges with evidence-based research, a sympathetic

ear, and zero judgment.

When it comes to talking to kids about sex, it can be tempting to point out a shiny object and make a run for it.

Talking to kids about sex used to mean one awkward sit down for the talk. But these days

there's so much more to talk about. Media coverage of sexual

assaults on college campuses. Yes means yes affirmative consent laws. Hook up

culture, the accessibility of online porn. It is a complicated world out there.

So this week, here are 10 tips to navigate the treacherous world

of talking to your kids about sex.

You won't even be tempted to tell them go ask Siri

Tip number one is take the initiative a 2014 survey found that by the time their kids were 21

One in five US parents had never talked to their kids were 21, one in five US parents had never talked to their kids about

birth control, saying no to sex, or where to access accurate information. Now

waiting for your kids to ask questions is one option, but it might not be the best.

Because according to a 2012 survey, half of teens rated talking about sex with parents as uncomfortable,

compared to just 19% of parents. The takeaway, they're more

embarrassed than you and therefore might not initiate. Plus, a 2015 survey of tween and teen girls found that 11 to 16 year olds wanted to be taught more about relationships, consent, pornography, and domestic violence by teachers and parents.

So start the conversation because in the absence of confident and early communication

from parents around sex, other sources, many of dubious quality, like porn and misinformed peers with older brothers, magically

expand to fill the void.

Tip number two, remember it's not the talk, it's an ongoing conversation.

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