Time for "the talk" -- any good resources?

The Fort Worth Zoo - just sit back and enjoy the show

My son had "family life" class in 5th grade.  Now in 7th.  So, that helped get the conversation going because they sent the book home a month early for the parents to read.  I just added a few things I felt like he needed to know for where I thought he was in maturity.  Some boys his age are more mature than he is, some less.  I just tailored it to where I thought he was, left the door open for dialogue, and we've talked about some things a few times since.   I think he would rather take a beating than talk to me about it, but I just want him to know he can come to me or dad with questions.   Smartsexstuffforkids.com is a resource a friend of mine used for books. 

How old is she?

I have 5 kids - 16, 14, 7, 5 and 2.  I am a believer that there shouldn't be "a talk" but rather many talks often about sex, drugs, alcohol etc.  I think it's important to be part of the regular rhetoric between children and parents.  I feel this keeps the lines of communication open and they are more likely to come and talk to you about things - this has been my personal experience.

I feel a defined "talk" is awkward and stressful for everyone and because of that they don't always hear/process everything you talk about.

If there is another parent involved I think it's important both of you talk with your daughter.  Decide ahead of time what is important and let the conversation go both ways organically and it may go places you didn't expect it to.

If you are going to talk with her about her cycle I have heard great things about this book and feel the other book by the same author should be required reading for all women.  http://www.amazon.com/Cycle-Savvy-Smart-Teens-Mysteries/dp/B001A5RHL4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252260936&sr=1-3

Edited by KeriKadi 2009-09-06 1:16 PM

What ever you do, Be honest.
We recently had the talk with our 11yr old, only after she began to drive us crazy wanting to know how she really got here. The wife and I first sat down together and came up with a game plan on how to describe to her what it was all about.
In all honesty she took it better than we thought she would.
(chuckle) She asked me about a week later if it was fun?.
That's when I said "go ask your Mother".

Edited by kiwi4j 2009-09-06 2:40 PM

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yeah..YOU.

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I was introduced through a book called "What's Happening To Me". I guess my parents thought it was the right resource for me- they are an M.D. and a R.N.

http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Happening-Me-guide-puberty/dp/0818403128

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Sounds like Satruday nights in my single life.....I'd wiggle around and she'd get dressed and go home.

Dear Abby actually sells a good resource as well. It's listed at the bottom of her online column on Yahoo!

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Well, Ace...you really should go to the dentist...if you can't even recollect what it feels like, you're definately neglecting your oral hygiene.

what I do for all of these conversations: "go ask your mom"......

Judy Blume had a book way back when... Are You There God, it's me Margaret.

It sounds silly, but it's not so "in your face" as some of the books might be. But it's about a girl hitting puberty. It's a good read for kiddos.