How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex - Age-Appropriate, Honest, and Respectful Conversations

Talking to your kids about sex doesn’t have to be awkward or overwhelming — even if you never got “the talk” yourself (or still cringe at the memory of it 😬).

The goal isn’t a one-time, perfect conversation. It’s an ongoing relationship of trust, curiosity, and truth — little moments layered over time.

Here’s how to make those moments count — whether your kids are toddlers, tweens, or teens.

1. Start earlier than you think

If your child can ask, "Where do babies come from?" - you’re ready to begin. That doesn’t mean you need to explain everything all at once. It just means you meet them with age-appropriate, honest answers.

Starting young helps your kids hear about bodies and sex from you, not YouTube, school friends, or Google.

We love the approach from Birds & Bees — a Christian-based resource that helps parents have healthy, biblical conversations about sex and body development, starting as early as age 2. They offer simple language, short video trainings, and conversation starters that grow with your kids.

👉 Highly recommend checking out their parent courses here. Use the code KINGDOM20 for 20% off.

2. Break it down by age

Here’s a super simple way to think about it:

Ages 2–6

– Use correct terms for body parts

– Talk about private parts, personal boundaries, and consent

– Reinforce that God made their bodies good

Ages 7–10

– Introduce how babies are made, what sex is, and why it matters

– Talk about puberty changes and emotions

– Start simple conversations about God’s design for marriage and intimacy

Ages 11+

– Get into more detail about sex, temptation, and relationships

– Discuss porn, purity, peer pressure, and technology

– Keep the door open

– Ask questions, don’t lecture

Books like Good Pictures Bad Pictures are great tools during this stage.

Grab it here

Related post: Navigating Intimacy with Kids Around

3. Don’t panic - just be honest

You don’t need to have all the right words. Just be real.

If you’re caught off guard, say something like:

– “That’s a great question - I’m so glad you asked! Let me think about how to explain it and get back to you.”\

– “I didn’t learn much about this growing up, but I want to do things differently with you.”

– “You can ask me anything, even if it’s embarrassing. I’m always here to talk.”

You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to show up.

4. Use resources so you’re not winging it

You don’t have to create your own curriculum - that’s what resources are for!

Here are our favorites:

– Birds & Bees: Christian-based courses that walk you through what to say and when

– Good Pictures Bad Pictures: A must-have book for teaching kids how to guard their minds

– Parent Resource Page: Our own curated content to help you handle the “what now?” moments with confidence

You’re doing better than you think

Even if you feel unqualified. Even if you fumble your way through it. Even if your voice shakes a little when you say “penis” out loud for the first time.

You’re showing up. You’re building trust. You’re being the safe place your kids need. That matters more than perfect words.

FAQs

What if I’ve waited too long to start? It’s never too late. Whether your child is 5, 15, or somewhere in between, you can start today with honesty and care.

What if I don’t know what to say? Let Birds & Bees help! Their videos and conversation guides make it easy to speak truth with confidence.

What if my child has already seen porn? Start with grace. Ask questions. Be safe, not shameful. And check out Good Pictures Bad Pictures and our post on Why Do I Struggle with Porn?