Photo: Getty Images
There’s nothing like an on-screen sex scene to make family TV night uncomfortable for everyone in the room. While it probably feels cringey to you, your teen will probably be dying of embarrassment. So what’s the right way to handle the situation? Experts offer some advice.
- Adolescent-focused psychologist Barbara Greenberg suggests turning to your teen to gauge their comfort level. She explains, “If everybody’s uncomfortable, then ask your child: ‘Do you want to discuss? Do you want to fast-forward?’”
- Sex educator Bridgett Khoury works with parents to empower and educate youth on issues related to sex and identity and she cautions that fast-forwarding through the naughty scenes could send the wrong message. “Respect your young person’s boundaries - maybe they need you to fast-forward through some of the scenes,” she says. “But if it’s the adult fast-forwarding because they can’t handle it, then I think there’s some internal work that needs to be done.”
- When a sex scene pops up, sex educator Lindsay Fram says it’s helpful to acknowledge the cringe factor. That can be as simple as saying, “Well, this is awkward.” And if you fast-forward, she says to tell your kid that you’re not doing it because sex is bad or shameful, but because it’s not enjoyable to watch as a family together.
- Fram also says it’s a good time to think about what messages you want to give your kids about sexuality. She advises, “Ask yourself: Do I want to be super sex-positive? Do I have some boundaries around sexuality?”
- You can also use it as a teachable moment and an opportunity to have a conversation with your teen. Check in about how they’re feeling, clear up misinformation and share your values about boundaries, consent, intimacy and dating - and keep it short. Fram explains, “When it comes to talking to kids about sex and sexuality, 100 one-minute conversations are far more effective and meaningful than one big talk.”
- And make sure your kids know the door is always open to asking questions about sex, even if it makes both of you squirm a little.
Read the article at Yahoo