Starting early is key when it comes to sex education.
Although you don't have to tell your toddler all about the birds and the bees, you can teach him about the various parts of his body.
When your child is between eight and 12 years old, you can talk to him about reproductive systems and, eventually, what happens when a couple have sex.
Dr Brian Yeo, consultant psychiatrist at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, said you can talk to your children about sex in late primary school but you can start earlier in terms of "creating a support system for your child".
There is no time frame for talking to your child about sex, but sexual health experts Mind Your Body spoke to advise doing it in stages.
Ms Vanessa van Auer, clinic director of EVA Psychology Centre, said: "First, talk about the body and changes that take place. Then, talk about the reproductive organs and finally discuss intimate relationships, things to be aware of and consequences associated with sex."
Ms Chong Cheh Hoon, senior vice-president at Focus On The Family, added: "Sex education is never a cookie-cutter model. You have to adjust to the nuances of each child's temperament and subscribe to each family's moral compass as well as be sensitive to social trends."
The most important thing is to create an open, trusting environment and for parents to decide on what values or messages they want to impart to their child.
While talking about sex may seem daunting and the last thing parents may want to do during a relaxing weekend, they can - and should - use instances in everyday life to jumpstart a discussion.
For example, when you see a pregnant woman on the street, you can start a conversation with your child about how babies are made.
Dr Yeo said: "If your child is not ready to discuss things, leave it."
Parents should listen to and answer their children's questions on sex as honestly as they can and allow them to air their views on sex and sexuality.
It may also be a good idea for the child to confide in a trusted adult, like a relative or person from the family's church, if he feels uncomfortable sharing with his parents.
Ms Kelly Lee, programme officer and counsellor at The Singapore Planned Parenthood Association, said youths are beginning to get curious about sex as early as 12 or 13 years old.
She said: "They should know that there are responsibilities and consequences that come with sex."
This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on September 18, 2008.
