How to talk to your children about sex

It's no easy task for parents, but there are ways to start this crucial conversation

"If you had a question about sex, where would you go?" I ask my 12-year-old daughter, Orla. She doesn't look up from her phone. "I'd ask online," she deadpans. "then delete my browser history."

"You wouldn't come to me?" I venture, worried, hurt, amused and (a tiny part) relieved. "Mum, if I asked you about sex, I'd then have to imagine you having sex and that would be traumatic for me," is the answer I get back.