A. Some factors to consider are whether your child has reached puberty, if the child has expressed curiosity about his or her body or about sexual themes in the media or otherwise.

Most importantly, discussing sex and sexuality should not be a one time conversation. A healthy understanding of his or her sexuality is a crucial element to healthy growth that should continue throughout your child’s life.

Here are some additional tips to help you along the way:

(1) Build your child’s self-confidence and sense of self worth.

(2) Meet your child where he or she is at. Discern their maturity level and what they already know.

(3) Use accurate anatomical language. Teaching tools, such as books or videos, may be helpful.

(4) Discuss character development. Fostering traits such as self-discipline, respect for self and others, loyalty and unselfishness will help to lay the foundation for healthy relationships in the future.

(5) Leave the conversation open-ended, letting your child know that you are available in the future to provide the guidance they may be searching for.