How much sex education and discussions around it do your parents have with you? This question may make some people uncomfortable since many still find talking about sex taboo. But if you're comfortable enough to answer this, did they give you any advice when you were growing up? Did they talk about birth control, safe sex, abstinence, different kinds of sex, etc.? If so, what are their beliefs on these matters? How does this affect your current relationship(s)? Are there gaps that need to be filled now?
If you had open talks about sex with your parents from an early age, it could shape how you view intimacy. It can also help you communicate better about sex with your partner(s) because you don't feel awkward asking certain things. You might even know more than them sometimes! And if you didn't have those conversations as a kid, you might have questions or confusion about sex today. Parents' attitudes towards sex influence children too. They learn what is acceptable or not based on parental views. Open communication between parents and kids helps them understand each other better and build trust.
On the flip side, closed-minded parents may lead to children having misconceptions about sex. These include myths like 'sex is dirty', 'sex is sinful', 'sex causes diseases', etc. These negative ideas may discourage healthy relationships and sexuality later in life. The lack of information can cause fear or uncertainty during first encounters, which can hurt relationships. Closed communication can also breed shame around sexual activity, leading to guilt, low self-esteem, and secrecy. This creates distance within families and keeps everyone locked into cycles of unhealthiness.
Parents who talk openly about sex will likely give their kids a healthier understanding and outlook on sex. Kids won't develop hangups due to lack of knowledge or embarrassment when they become adults.
Some people still struggle with this topic no matter what their upbringing was like. So we must keep talking about sexual wellness until it becomes normalized for all.
How do parents' openness about sex shape children's future relationships?
According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, parents who are more open about discussing sexuality with their children tend to have children who are more open about sexuality themselves, which can positively impact their romantic and sexual development later on. Open communication between parents and children about sexuality has been found to be linked with higher levels of knowledge about safer sex practices, healthier attitudes towards sexuality, and greater comfort in navigating relationships.