Editor #18
Oh. My. God. Just kill me now…
That may have been what you were thinking as you heard your parents say “birds” and “bees” in the same sentence. The talk is an embarrassing and awkward experience for everyone, even your parents. Why can’t we just leave it to Hollywood to teach us about that which shall not be named?
Your parents want to talk to you because they want you to be aware of their views on the subject. They also want you to know that they are available to answer any questions you may have about birds, bees and their strange looking offspring. Typically, parents hope that by sharing their knowledge and expertise via “the talk,” their children will be more informed about the physical and emotional circumstances that come as a packaged deal with sex: this will consequently help their children to make educated decisions when they are in relationships in high school and beyond. Historically, family has been the center of education, guidance and advice, so your parents probably feel that you are entitled to hear the truth from them rather than from any other source.
Your parents care about you; they would not be going through all this trouble otherwise. They are not trying to embarrass you to death, so just give them a chance. No matter how uncomfortable it gets, listen to what your parents have to say. This experience may even strengthen the bond between you and your parents. If you can talk to your parents about sex, you can talk to them about anything.