This parent guide, from Children Now and the Kaiser Family Foundation, offers practical, concrete tips and techniques for talking easily and openly with children ages 8 to 12 about issues such as sex, HIV/AIDS, violence, and drugs and alcohol. It is based on the premise that even young children learn about sensitive topics from television, movies, magazines, and friends. The idea is that, by talking with kids early and often, parents can offer information that is both accurate and in sync with their own principles and values. The key, according to this guide: "It's up to parents to create an atmosphere where children feel free to ask any question on any subject".

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• How to Talk to Your Kids About Anything: 10 Tips for talking with your kids about tough issues
• Talking With Kids About Sex and Relationships
• Talking With Kids About HIV/AIDS
• Talking With Kids About Violence
• Talking With Kids About Alcohol and Drugs

Talking With Kids About Tough Issues is a national (USA) initiative by Children Now and the Kaiser Family Foundation to encourage parents to talk with their children earlier and more often about dificult issues. The campaign includes public service messages that have appeared in printed mass media and television broadcasts. The campaign provides free resources for parents.

Click here for the booklet in PDF format (English language). (For an HTML "version", visit the Talking with Kids site, and select any of the topics listed in the left navigation bar).

Click here for the booklet in HTML format (Spanish language); click here for the booklet in PDF format (Spanish language).