There is no universal or set age for "the talk."

Start early, when your child is young, to look for teachable moments to provide small pieces of age and developmentally appropriate information to your child. This will pave the way for comfortable, less embarrassing dialogue about sex during the crucial pre-teen and teenage years.

Initiate conversations with your children about sex well before they begin middle school. Although a 6th grader may be physically and emotionally immature and may not be asking questions, he or she will be hearing all sorts of things about sex from other children. In actuality, students often begin hearing things about sex from their peers by 3rd or 4th grade.

Do not always wait for children to ask, as some are too embarrassed. It is also important that your child know about the physical changes that happen during puberty before he or she starts to experience these changes. Strive to achieve ongoing conversations with your child about sexuality and your expectations and values regarding this subject.

While "the talk" may have been the standard for a long time, parents today should realize that the teen culture has changed dramatically. If parents truly want to have an impact on their children’s attitudes and behaviors regarding sex, it will take much more than an isolated conversation or two. Look for opportunities with your children. When you are watching the tube with your teens, when you are in the car listening to music, when you see or hear something you agree with or disapprove of...speak up! Discuss setting physical limits and their plans to deal with sexual pressure well in advance of first dates. Although teens often roll their eyes and tell parents that they already know, parents should be encouraged that research tells us that the most important people in their lives and those they listen to the most are PARENTS.