You are your child’s first sexual health educator. You ideally begin by naming body parts, providing loving touch and showing your child that they can come to you with any question. This lays the groundwork for ongoing conversations about relationships, values, decision-making and sexual health. Our “Parent Information” page in the Sexual Health Info section of this website offers lots of information to guide your conversations.
However, we know that many parents aren’t comfortable or are unsure about how to talk to their children about sexuality. Our group workshops and counseling can help you learn how to talk to your child in a way that fits with your values and supports your child’s growth and learning in a positive way. Everyone wants their child to be healthy and happy with their bodies, in their relationships and in the community. We’re here to help.
Workshops
All of our workshops are geared towards the community’s needs. Our workshops can be age specific or general for 0-18 years. We work with families where English is a second language, the child has a disability or where families are parenting in two cultures, trying to navigate living in Canada with cultural norms from other parts of the world.
“Easier Than You Think: Talking to Your Toddler and Preschooler”
Workshop goal: To increase parents’ confidence and comfort in talking with their toddlers and preschoolers about sexuality.
We’ll be talking about…
- Why you should start talking to your kids about sex when they’re young
- Your child’s early sexual development – what will happen and how to help them
- How to answer tough questions and deal with difficult situations. You will also get a chance to practice answering questions.
- Where you can look for help and find more information.
This is a lifelong process and we encourage you to continue exploring your values, thoughts and emotions on an ongoing basis.
“Easier Than You Think: Talking to Children 6-12 Years”
Workshop goal: To increase parents’ confidence and comfort in talking with their children 6-12 years old about sexuality.
We’ll be talking about…
- Why you should talk with your child about puberty and sex.
- Your child’s physical, mental, emotional and social development (6-12 yrs)
- How to give easy answers to tough questions. You will also get a chance to practice answering questions.
- Where you can look for help and find more information.
This is a lifelong process and we encourage you to continue exploring your values, thoughts and emotions on an ongoing basis.
“Easier Than You Think: Talking to Teens”
Workshop Goal: To provide parents with information about adolescent sexual development, and practical approaches and tools for helping teens make healthy sexual decisions.
We’ll be talking about…
- Key parts of adolescent sexual development.
- Your vision for your teen’s sexual health.
- Why it is important to talk to your teen about sexual health.
- Ethical sexual relationships.
- Sexual relationship readiness.
- Ways to help your teen make healthy sexual decisions.
- How you can feel more comfortable and confident talking with your teen about sexuality.
This is a lifelong process and we encourage you to continue exploring your values, thoughts and emotions on an ongoing basis.
Booking:
Are you part of a community group looking for a workshop? Are you a parent/guardian looking for a workshop?
Please contact generalmail@calgarysexualhealth.ca to arrange a workshop that can best suit your needs
Parent Nights
Parents in Calgary have started hosting these fun and informative evenings for small groups in their homes. We provide an experienced staff educator to start the discussion and answer questions about how to talk to your kids! Learn more here.
Gender Creative Families Nights
Calgary Sexual Health Centre, in partnership with Families Matter, would like to welcome, parents, families and caregivers of gender creative (Trans*, non-binary, gender independent, gender fluid, gender-queer, gender non-conforming) children, aged 4-14, to a monthly gathering.
This will be an opportunity for you to have some adult time, to share stories and experiences, to create networks and get support in a non-judgmental and safe atmosphere so that you can learn how to best support the gender creative children in your lives. This family-friendly night will offer free childcare and activities for the kids.
Counselling
We have free and confidential counseling available for families who wish to discuss issues related to sexuality and sexual health. Sessions are by appointment.
Professional Development
Are you a professional looking for training?
Our Training Centre offers a variety of workshops for professionals who work with individuals and families.