Honesty is best policy, says young mum

TEEN PREGNANCY: Education is the key to safer sex.PHOTO/FILE

When it comes to talking sex with her children, Kerry plans to be as open as possible.

It's the approach she wishes her parents had taken with her - and one she thinks might have stopped her from becoming pregnant at 14.

Now in her early 20s with two children, Kerry (who didn't want her last name published) says most of her sex education came from older siblings, and what was taught in sex education class in schools.

She says her parents were separated and neither of them really discussed the matter.

"Dad was never going to talk to me about it and I think mum just didn't know how to do it."

While her eldest has just started primary school, Kerry plans to be much more open.

"Don't be shy. They're your kids, you should be talking to them about one of the most important steps and education to be safe."

Rerewhakaaitu mum Gaylene Pinder took a similar, straight-up approach with her children.

The mum-of-six admits talking about the issue was pretty daunting with her eldest, who is now 19, but says it has got easier as time has gone on.

"It's actually easier doing it younger. They hear and learn things from their siblings."

Her approach has been about waiting for them to start asking questions, then answering those as honestly as possible.

"I'm pretty honest. I think you have to be."

Living on a farm is an advantage, Gaylene says. Animals mating, being born and even artificial insemination are all concepts they understand and can be transferred across, she says.