Know the Facts

Explaining What Kids Need to Know

Both boys and girls need to know the basics. When we talk with our children, we can help them learn what to expect as they are growing up so they won’t be scared or surprised by the changes they’ll go through.

For information on what kids should know and what you should be prepared to discuss at each age and stage of development, see our TWYK Timeline + Tips. Download the resource here.

Here are some topics that are important for kids to know about before they are teenagers. Click on the links for resources to help you start the conversation:

Puberty + Anatomy

• Puberty 101 for Parents
• Talking to Children About Puberty

Reproductive + Sexual Anatomy

• A Mighty Girl Spotlight: Talking with Younger Girls about their Bodies
• A Mighty Girl Spotlight: Talking with Tweens and Teens About Their Bodies
• Department of Health & Human Services: Talking to Your Young Child About Bodies + Feelings

Sex + Pregnancy

• Questions + Answers About Sex
• What Makes a Baby

Keeping Safe

• A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety
• An Overview of Healthy Childhood Sexual Development
• Sex, The Internet, and Texting
• A Mighty Girl

You and your teen can find out more about the below topics by going to www.TeenSource.org or by clicking on the links below:

• Birth Control Methods
• STDs
• Find-A-Clinic