"Why is that lady so fat, Mummy?" asks Meg. The question has caught Hazel off guard. Meg is but three-and-a-half and hazel hadn't expected to be talking to her daughter about such topics for a while.

However, after the briefest of pauses, Hazel smiles and tells Meg that the woman she sees is not "fat." "Rather," she adds, "the lady is pregnant. She is going to have a baby."

"Oh," responds Meg, who has already turned her attention elsewhere.

Although she may not realize it, Hazel has just made an important parenting decision. She has chosen to be open and frank about the subject of sexuality.

Research shows that the majority of parents want to be the main source of their child's sex education. However, research also indicates that few parents actually fulfill this responsibility.

No doubt, talking about sex with a child is difficult for some parents. Many mothers and fathers feel embarrassed or shy. Some adults also worry that talking about sex will actually lead youngsters to become sexually active. (This has proven to be a groundless fear.)

One of the best ways to overcome feeling uncomfortable -- and to get off to a good start -- is to begin talking about sexual matters with your child when he or she is small. It's important, particularly, for matters of safety and cleanliness, to teach young children the names of their own body parts.

Keep it simple and natural by addressing issues of sexuality as occasions arise. For instance, a television situation comedy might provide an opportunity to talk about relationships. Meanwhile, the birth of a puppy or a new brother or sister may be the time to introduce the topic of where babies come from. Just so, the sight of two seniors holding hands in the park could prompt a parent-child talk about values and life-long love.

© Algoma Family Services