You wonder why sex is an important topic to talk to your kids about. The answer is that it is a fundamental topic to any individual’s upbringing, to round out that person’s maturation and growing up. Whether you personally believe in "Abstinence Only" education or comprehensive Sex Ed, you as a responsible parent need to broach the subject long before your child learns about it from another source that may tell the child the wrong thing, and for the wrong reasons. According to the medical site webmd.com, "Talking with your child about sex is important to help him or her develop healthy attitudes toward sex and to learn responsible sexual behavior."

But you say that your son and/or daughter is too young? That you will be too embarrassed? That something like sexual activity or even curiosity about it would never occur to your child? Or that "talking about sex will lead him/her to wanting to experiment with sex"? Well, never mind your embarrassment, or theirs! Never mind the funny way it feels to talk about sex and intimacy with your children! Never mind that you think they are too young to understand, or even have questions! If they are young enough to sit up and look around, they are probably wondering where babies come from, and more significantly, where they came from and how you got involved! And, forget about the stork story! How many storks do you really know, anyway?

As for the "talking about leads to doing it" theory, you are fooling yourself. The less information someone has, the more curiosity grows. Your child is no different. If you don’t talk, your child is more likely to go find out for him or herself.

It is important to discuss these topics, which may make you squirm and make you squeamish, with your kids long before you yourself are ready, because chances are, they are already ready and are asking questions whenever and wherever they can! If they are not asking, then they are filling in the answers for themselves.

It is your privilege and responsibility as the parent to introduce your children to this tough and critical subject – to explain the finer points of love and intimacy to them in preparation for their eventual adulthood and maturation. The sooner you introduce these topics and explain their place in their emerging individuality, sexuality and young adult lives, the better prepared all of you will be. This will further equip all of you for dealing with their puberty and young maturing bodies, with their restless energy and raging hormones.

Discuss the mechanics, the physical how-to aspects of a mature loving relationship after first discussing the components of love, responsibility, health and safety. Present the love and feeling qualities as ones to be highly valued and cherished. Portray the participants in a sexual relationship as needing to be mature and loving, each participating willingly and fully in the emotions and physical act. It is important to emphasize that sexual behavior at any age is only appropriate with the consent and intention of each party; to mishandle sexual expression negates the respect so necessary in a mature relationship.

And, even if your kid is no longer a kid, or even if you suspect that he/she has been experimenting with some sexual behavior, it is never too late to approach these delicate subjects to ensure that your child’s sexuality is grounded in the values and information that you wish to instill in him or her. Even if your child is about to head off to college or military boot camp, this topic must be brought up and dealt with. You will be amazed by what the child already knows and the types of questions they might have. You may be even more surprised by how many misconceptions your child has about healthy sex. But above all, don’t ignore the topic! It lurks prominently like the proverbial elephant in the living room AND has more important implications if it is ignored.

For this all-important reason, many smart and caring parents are looking for insightful resources to help them discuss dating and sexual decision-making. Why? Because most of our parents didn’t have these conversations with us, we never were given the correct tools. We definitely don’t want to say the "Wrong Thing" and end up damaging our child’s long-term understanding of sexuality, sex, and relationships. Where do you turn to find a content-packed, engaging, and realistic approach to helping you and your child? While the Internet is full of great content free of charge, nothing out there really gives you the "LIVE TOOLS" for being in the conversation. Even on YouTube, the credibility of the professional you may watch is difficult to judge.

What if you have more than one child? What if your spouse isn’t as comfortable as you in discussing these issues? Where do you find one resource which is a great fit for both of you AND each of your kids? How do you overcome the squeamish or concerning elements of talking with your child about such a sensitive topic?

Whether you have a child who is 9 years old or 18 years old, the award-winning DVD by Mike Domitrz titled: "HELP! My Teen Is Dating. Real Solutions to Tough Conversations" is a priceless toolkit for parents and children alike. You will have fun discovering simple approaches to what are often considered difficult conversations. Domitrz is the Executive Director of The Date Safe Project (www.DateSafeProject.org) and is one of the leading authorities in the world for helping parents talk with their children. Each year, he is brought into over 80 cities around the globe by educational institutions and the US Military (for their families) to share the powerful strategies in "HELP! My Teen Is Dating. Real Solutions to Tough Conversations" (www.DateSafeProject.org/parents).

When do you and your child need these vital skills? During lunch at school, is your child hanging out with friends? Once your son or daughter is exposed to the information available in the school lunchroom or at soccer practice, or worse, at casual parties, you will have to battle misinformation and details based on mere speculation. When you discuss sex and relationships with your kids using the right strategies, you are establishing a new area of communication that will positively impact both of you moving forward! Plus, you will sleep much better at night.

Be sure to visit www.DateSafeProject.org/parents today.

Written by: Charlotte J. Anderson, a freelance writer who has extensive experience advising high school and college youth groups. As a former attorney, she loves writing about respect in relationships.