How can I bring it up with my mom?

Hi Courtney,

The important thing to remember is that your mum had all of the worries and questions that you have today when she was young, so very little will likely embarrass her and that is half the battle. If you were both embarrassed then it would make things harder, but the likelihood is when you ask her, her response and her way of telling you will put you at ease.

Parents are prepared for the time when their children are curious about the world and so she is likely expecting you to start asking questions right about now. The best thing is the more you talk to her the less it will feel embarrassing, so the sooner you get started the better!

What is it that you want to talk to her about? Sometimes taking someone into a room and forewarning them that you want to talk can add pressure so why not just bring it up when you are alone with her? This will make things a bit more relaxed- you might catch her off guard but it will likely be better than staring at each other blankly over a table.

Why not chat when you are sat watching TV on your own? Strike up something about the subject that is being explored on the programme- which could lead on to your topic of choice? You could perhaps look up your dilemma on the internet and get some background to it and then when you talk to her about it you could say you have already been looking but you have more trust in her opinion and advice.

Parents like to feel valued and that their input matters- so by asking her, you are increasing the bond between you because she will feel like she is taking part in an important part of your development.

Lucy x