TehTarik with Dads 2: Talking About the Tough Topics: A Father’s Journey in Sexual Education

On 24 May 2025, at our Teh Tarik with Dads session, we gathered as fathers to discuss a subject many of us shy away from—how to talk to our children about sexual education.

It wasn’t an easy conversation. Many of us grew up in homes where this topic was never discussed, where silence or awkwardness took the place of guidance. Yet, as fathers today, we know that silence is no longer an option. Our children are growing up in a world filled with influences, information, and sometimes confusion. If we don’t guide them, someone else will.

What I Learned Sitting Among Fathers

That night, I saw courage. Fathers admitted their fears—“What if I say the wrong thing? What if my child asks something I don’t know?” But I also saw hope. Together, we discovered that the conversation doesn’t need to be perfect. What matters is that it is honest, respectful, and open.

One father shared how his teenage daughter asked about boundaries in relationships. He admitted he didn’t know how to respond at first. But instead of brushing it off, he sat with her, listened, and slowly explained values that mattered most to him—dignity, safety, and self-respect. That honesty built trust.

Why Fathers Must Step In

Sexual education is not just biology—it’s about values. It’s about teaching our sons and daughters to respect themselves and others, to know their boundaries, and to carry themselves with confidence.

As fathers, we are not just providers; we are protectors and teachers of values. When we step into these conversations, even with our clumsy words, we are saying to our children: “I am here. You can trust me. We can talk about anything.”

A Call to Fathers

To all fathers reading this—don’t wait for the “right moment.” Create it. Start small. Maybe it’s during a car ride, or before bedtime, or over a meal. You don’t need all the answers. What your children need most is your presence and your willingness to listen.

Our children are looking for guidance. Let’s be the ones who give it. Let’s be the fathers who are not afraid to talk about the tough topics, because love is about showing up—even when it’s uncomfortable.

💬 If you’re a father who wants to learn more, join us at our next “Teh Tarik with Dads.” Together, we’re figuring this out—one conversation at a time.