Boxwish Blog

Parents turn to films to discuss sex with their children

Posted by Team Boxwish on 17 December 2008 at 11.31AM

It’s one of the most dreaded conversations hated equally by both parties. Capable of making mature children cringe and sensible adults wince – it’s the sex talk. And now in their desperate bid to avoid describing how a loving cuddle makes a baby, adults are increasingly turning to movies to explain the nitty-gritty of conception. According to new research commissioned by the Department for Children, Schools and Families one in five parents struggle so much with the ‘big talk’ that 58-per-cent of them switch on a film to help. And the most popular resource for parents? None other than the 80s family comedy Three Men and a Baby. Well done Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg and Ted Danson – you are the new kings of Hollywood sex education.

Also of help to parents is the John Travolta/ Kirstie Alley baby saga Look Who’s Talking and this year’s coming-of-age Brit drama Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. The latter was interestingly also the top pick for teenagers keen to bring up the subject of sex with their parents. 1,347 youngsters aged between 13 and 17 were questioned in the poll with the Gurinder Chadha film leading the way followed by Three Men and a Baby and the modern re-working of the Shakespeare classic Romeo + Juliet starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.

Anita Naik who has authored advice books on sex for young adults commented: “The majority of teens yearn for an easier way to talk to their parents about sex and growing up and films are a simple and effective way in. Storylines such as those in High School Musical and even Titanic can provide useful opportunities to check in to see their views, questions or worries in an open yet comfortable fashion. Parents or teenagers don’t need a romantic film to start these conversations; even action or sci-fi blockbusters which feature relationships can help kick-start everyday conversations.”

Yes, but do these sci-fi films feature Steve Guttenberg struggling to do a baby’s nappy? I don’t think so.

[via The Telegraph]