Talking to your kids about sex can be uncomfortable for not only your child, but YOU. Some parents are at a loss about where to start, how much to tell, or at what age to begin the conversation. This conversation doesn't have to happen in the matter of one hour, but rather in an ongoing dialogue, which can evolve with information and age over time.

Here are three things to consider to help get the conversation started:
Make a plan. When beginning to have conversations about sex it is important to share age appropriate information. Knowing too much, too soon could be harmful. However, not knowing enough can be just as damaging.Your family has to decided how much information is necessary at the particular stage your child is at. Make a plan on how you are going to give this information to your child. How much do you want them to know at their current age and as time goes on commit to having more detailed conversations. This will help to ensure the information comes from you FIRST. When there is a healthy on-going dialogue about sex they may feel more inclined to come to you with questions and/or concerns.

Ask Questions. If you aren't sure what to say, start with a question. “Tell me what you know about sex?” This open ended question allows your child to tell you what they know. This clears the air for them to talk and you to listen. By listening to what THEY know you will be able to gauge if you need to correct any information they received that is inaccurate. You can also decide if you need explain more details as their age allows.

Never too late. The earlier the better, but better late than never. Talking to your kids about sex has the best results when the conversations start early. However, it is better to discuss now than never have a conversation because you feel its too late. It is important to let your child know you can be trusted with sensitive information. It is also important to understand their view of sexuality should come from YOU and not from society and peers. There are very twisted views of sexuality. Society often weighs heavily on popular views of sex instead of medically accurate information. If you have an older teenage child whom you have not discussed sex with yet-- don't believe it is too late. This conversation needs to happen. Your child deserves to get the information from you.

March is Talk to Your Kids About Sex Month. Here are some stats about Teen Births and how they impact our state. 

Early puberty in girls is becoming a new norm in America. Starting puberty too early can expose children to a host of risks such as highers probability of developing cancer, increased risks of sexual harassment, abuse, early sexual involvement, and other potentially at-risk behaviors. Parents need to educate and help their daughters delay puberty until they physically and emotionally are ready for the changes.  

Here are 10 things you can do to help protect your child against early puberty:

1. Eat Organic. Pesticides and toxins in food have been linked to having damaging affects to children and causing early hormone production. Eat organic as often as possible.
   
2. Drink Water. Limit your child's sugar intake to avoid your child being over weight. Obesity can contribute to early puberty. 
   
3. Limit Portion Sizes. Do not allow your child to over-eat. Teach them correct portion sizes and let them learn to stop when they start to feel full. 
   
4. Get Off the Couch. Keeping your child active is important. It keeps them healthy and keeps them at a healthy weight. 
   
5. Drink Out of Glass. Avoid plastic water bottles. You can purchase glass water bottles at most stores. They are inexpensive and you are avoiding the chemicals which can be harmful to your girl!
   
6. Avoid Processed Foods. There are harmful chemicals in processed food. Try to avoid foods with a package. Chances are if it has a commercial package -- it probably isn't good for you. If you have to eat pre-packaged foods, try to choose items with ingredients that you can actually read. 
   
7. De-Stress. Stress can contribute to anxiety and obesity which contributes to increased estrogen levels. 
   
8. Sleep. Make sure your daughter is getting plenty of rest. Not getting enough sleep can cause stress. Lack of sleep has also been shown to contribute to childhood obesity which also contributes to early puberty. 
   
9. Balanced Diet. Keeping a balanced diet is important to get adequate nutrition to keep the body healthy and functioning. 
   
10. Model Behavior. Be the example in your home of a healthy lifestyle. If you do it. They will do it.
    

There might have to be some adjustments made in your home, but your daughters health is worth it. Please research more ways to help keep puberty at bay until their body is ready-- and physically mature.