5 Natural and Comfortable Ways to Talk to Your Kids About Sex

As a parent, talking to your child about sex, puberty, and relationships can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. There are natural, comfortable, and even fun ways to bring up these important conversations without the awkwardness. The key is creating a safe, open space where your child feels heard and understood—and where you can share your values and hopes for their future.

Here are five easy, non-awkward ways to talk to your kids about sex and build a lasting foundation of trust and respect:

1. Watch a Movie and Discuss the Characters’ Decisions

One of the easiest ways to start a conversation about sex and relationships is by using movies or TV shows as a springboard. Choose a movie that has a sex scene or relationship storyline you’d like to discuss. After the movie, ask your child what they thought about the scene. You might ask questions like:

• What did you think of how the characters handled that situation?
• Was it realistic?
• Do you think they made good decisions?

This can lead to an open dialogue where you can share your own thoughts, values, and hopes for how they might navigate similar situations. It also gives you the opportunity to introduce topics like consent, respect, and healthy relationships in a way that feels natural and not forced.

2. Go for a Walk: Make It an Easy, Stress-Free Chat

Sometimes the best conversations happen when you’re not staring at each other face-to-face. Going for a walk or taking a stroll outside is a great way to reduce stress and make both you and your child feel more at ease.

Studies show that cortisol levels—stress hormones—drop significantly when you’re outside. The movement and side-by-side walking position create a sense of comfort and openness that can make difficult conversations flow more easily.

While walking, you could say:

• “Hey, is this a good time to talk about something on my mind?”
• “What do you think about X?”
• “Have you noticed anything lately? What do you think about it?”

Walking helps take the pressure off and creates a relaxed atmosphere where it’s easier to bring up sensitive topics. Plus, it’s a great chance for you to listen actively and hear what your child has to say, without the pressure of sitting down for a formal conversation.

3. Play a Game to Break the Ice

Yes, you read that right—games! Playing games can be a fun, low-pressure way to introduce important topics like sex education. You can turn terms from a my Clarify Parent guidebook into a Pictionary game or a quiz show.

For example, imagine drawing “wet dream” in Pictionary and having your child guess what it means, or drawing “breasts” and seeing if you can guess it. Sure, it’s silly—but it’s also educational and keeps things lighthearted. When the atmosphere is fun and goofy, it helps both of you feel more relaxed about the topic.

Games like these make it easy to share information, ask questions, and open up a conversation about the foundational facts. For example, after guessing the term, you could ask:

• “What do you think this means?”
• “When do you think it’s appropriate for someone to experience this?”
• “Have you ever heard any of your friends talk about this?”

This method is engaging, memorable, and will make the facts stick—while also giving you a chance to share your own values and expectations.

4. Watch Animal Mating Videos (Yes, Really!)

This may sound unusual, but watching animal mating videos on YouTube can provide a fun and scientific way to approach sex education. These videos offer an opportunity to introduce the topic of sexual reproduction in a natural, non-awkward way. You can discuss how animals, just like people, have instincts and go through various stages to understand intimacy and reproduction.

It’s an opportunity to normalize the subject by showing that sex is part of the natural world. You can also reinforce your own values and discuss the importance of emotional readiness for relationships.

While watching, you can ask:

• “What did you notice about how animals behave?”
• “How does this compare to how people connect with each other?”
• “What do you think is important when two people get together?”

Use this as a jumping-off point to talk about boundaries, consent, and respect in relationships, always tying it back to your own values and expectations.

5. Use Active Listening to Strengthen Conversations

The most important thing in any conversation about sex and puberty is listening. Active listening is an essential tool that helps you understand what your child is thinking and feeling. It also shows that you respect their thoughts, opinions, and questions.

In my free Starter Bundle, I offer a video and digital parent guidebook that walk you through simple and effective active listening tools to enhance your communication with your child. When you practice these techniques, you can improve your understanding of what your child knows, how they feel, and what they need from you in these important moments.

Final Thoughts: Empowering Conversations About Sex

It’s crucial to start sex education conversations early, and make them part of your child’s daily life. It’s not about one big talk—it’s about a continuous, open dialogue that’s rooted in values-based education. By using these natural, stress-free methods, you can help your child understand healthy relationships, puberty, and sex, all while making them feel comfortable, heard, and supported.

Remember, the key is creating a safe space where your child feels confident coming to you with any question, anytime. Always let them know, “You can talk to me about anything. I’ll guide you.”

If you’re ready to start meaningful conversations with your child, don’t forget to check out my Clarify Starter Bundle, which includes the video and guidebook that can help you start the conversation with confidence.