Yarning Quiet Ways
Yarning tips for everyone
Yarning to kids about sex and relationships can be a bit daunting. It is normal for you to feel unsure about how to begin or what to say. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
- Tip 1: Yarn early
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Yarning about sex and relationships doesn’t mean giving just one big talk before high school - sometimes that will be too late.
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It is best to teach your kids lots of little lessons as they grow up.
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- Tip 2: You can yarn anywhere
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Some mums, dads and kids can feel shame sitting down for a big yarn. That's normal.
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Try and find ways to make you and your kids more comfortable.
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If you feel too shame to sit face-to-face, try yarning while fishing, driving or walking with your kids.
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- Tip 3: Always look for the chance to yarn
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You can use stories on TV, in the newspapers or in the community to help you start a yarn about sex and relationships.
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Don't just wait for your kids to ask questions - they might never ask but they still need to know.
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- Tip 4: Be open and honest
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Your kids need to know that they can come to you if they are scared or unsure about things.
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Tell your kids that you are here to help them and that they can trust you.
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- Tip 5: Use friends and relatives if you need to
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Dads might not be able to talk to daughters and mums might not be able to talk to sons about some subjects.
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Make sure your kids know who they can talk to - it might even be an aunty or uncle, a grandparent or older cousin.
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- Tip 6: Leave books around your house
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There are lots of good books and pamphlets for kids about sex and relationships.
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It is good to have these in your house so kids can learn.
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Let your kids know they can ask you questions about anything they read.
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- Tip 7: It's OK to have a laugh
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Yarning about sex and relationships doesn't have to be scary or 'serious face'.
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Having a laugh can make people feel better yarning about serious things.
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