Streetwise Streetwise (November 02, 2005)

What is the appropriate age for a parent to talk to their child about sex?
Question and interviews by Kenneth Seli. Photographs by Brian Connelly. Asked on California Avenue in Palo Alto.

Claudia Ventura
Salesperson
California Avenue, Palo Alto
"The best way is to become honest in the beginning, but the goal is not to traumatize the kid. It depends on when the kid asks."

Molly Clafin
Law sudent
California Avenue, Palo Alto
"I would say ninth grade after middle school. I think that is the best age for kids to understand the issues that are going on."

Nathalie Cartal
Student
Scott Street, Palo Alto
"Kids are having sex a lot younger; starting in middle school you hear kids are losing their virginity a lot younger. It's important to tell kids as young as elementary school what's going on."

Richard Nash
Retired aerospace worker
Hollyburn Avenue, Menlo Park
"I don't think there is an appropriate time. I think it's up to the parent and the child to reach that conclusion. You can't read that in a book. You have to know your child and the child, vice versa, has to know the person."

Daniel Brunicon
Quality Control Inspector
Greer Street, Palo Alto
"I'd say 13 for the kid. By age 13 they should be taught."

Dan Peknik
Art Student
University Avenue, Palo Alto
"I think it's happening a lot sooner these days. I think parents need to talk to them around middle school; around 12-years-old."

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