One of the issues that parents often find most difficult to discuss with their children is relationships and sex (R&S), particularly as the children approach their teens. The reasons given by parents include:

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• It’s too early

• The children will receive information through school

• Parents didn't feel confident to do this or felt too embarrassed or uncomfortable

• They did not know where to start

• Fathers often feel it is the mother’s responsibility and vice versa

But in fact, research has shown that young people would prefer to get information about R&S from family members, and parents are the best people to do this.  Information from schools is usually focused on the biological aspects, or specific subjects like bullying, whereas parents can pass on their own values and experiences, and encourage the communication that is so vital  as young people become more independent.

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To help overcome the embarrassment and lack of confidence in parents, a Parenting Programme called What Should We Tell the Children about Relationships and Sex was developed in 2004 by Coventry University Health Services Research Centre, commissioned by Coventry City Council. Mothers’ Union parenting facilitators have been involved from the early days  and Coventry Diocese MU now owns and runs the programme. 

 

There are four sessions, the first can be run as a one-off during which parents will gain some knowledge, skills and confidence to talk with their children.  From feedback and evaluation we know that this works well for parents. Three further sessions look more closely at particular situations.

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