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Would you tell your children?

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Quote by Theladyisaminx
I don't have, or plan to have, kids but I know I absolutely don't want to know any details of my parents' sex life - because I've occasionally had to hear more then I wanted, I know that if I was a parent I'd be careful to keep the details of my private life private. Having said that they both brought me up to be very openminded and I appreciate that - I'm all in favour of discussing types of behaviour in general terms and getting kids to learn that many diferent things are acceptable. It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest to know my parents had 'swung' in the past, but there's absolutely no way I want graphic images put in my mind by being told so for sure!!!
End of waffle

I would say that sums it up for most people.
Plus you cannot just say to your kids " hey we have shagged other people ", and then not tell them all the details. By not telling them they will of course conjure up all sorts of images in their heads.
By telling them all the details, that is presuming they want to know, which I am sure most kids would not, then the images will be there anyway.
To me it is a no win situation, whatever way you paint the picture. You can imagine a conversation which goes like..... " my parents told me they have had sex with others during their marriage ". The other person would say " what they told you "? They would then say " yes, I keep having these images of them in my head ". The other person would say " I would hate it if my parents told me that ".
I can picture the scene right now. lol
rotflmao :rotflmao:
I am so glad we don't don't think alike or conjure up the same images! wink
That is the most sensible thing you have said today. :wink: xx
What about giving kids choices in life? I am sure most kids choices would be NOT to be told about their parents sex lives.
I cannot even begin to comprehend anyone even contemplating telling their kids something like that, when they do not have too. I am perplexed.
Quote by kentswingers777
I don't have, or plan to have, kids but I know I absolutely don't want to know any details of my parents' sex life - because I've occasionally had to hear more then I wanted, I know that if I was a parent I'd be careful to keep the details of my private life private. Having said that they both brought me up to be very openminded and I appreciate that - I'm all in favour of discussing types of behaviour in general terms and getting kids to learn that many diferent things are acceptable. It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest to know my parents had 'swung' in the past, but there's absolutely no way I want graphic images put in my mind by being told so for sure!!!
End of waffle

I would say that sums it up for most people.
Plus you cannot just say to your kids " hey we have shagged other people ", and then not tell them all the details. By not telling them they will of course conjure up all sorts of images in their heads.
By telling them all the details, that is presuming they want to know, which I am sure most kids would not, then the images will be there anyway.
To me it is a no win situation, whatever way you paint the picture. You can imagine a conversation which goes like..... " my parents told me they have had sex with others during their marriage ". The other person would say " what they told you "? They would then say " yes, I keep having these images of them in my head ". The other person would say " I would hate it if my parents told me that ".
I can picture the scene right now. lol
rotflmao :rotflmao:
I am so glad we don't don't think alike or conjure up the same images! wink
That is the most sensible thing you have said today. :wink: xx
What about giving kids choices in life? I am sure most kids choices would be NOT to be told about their parents sex lives.
I cannot even begin to comprehend anyone even contemplating telling their kids something like that, when they do not have too. I am perplexed.
:welcome: Perplexed
Dave_Notts
I have no idea how 'you' envisage a conversation happening between an adult and child. I certainly haven't ever sat him down and handed over all of the information in one go... It was a drip feed in response to questions over years.
I am almost sure that I haven't ever used the term 'swinging' as that has negative connotations that he may pick up along the way from some other medium (eg The sun or daily wail)
I discussed my life and choices as and when I made them (if he asked questions that led to that discussion) just as he has done with me. As with all of the things that we discuss he is used to knowing that others may not appreciate it is acceptable and he needs to choose wisely who knows. He grew up knowing my sexuality and, to prevent him being abused because of it, I had to educate him about other's opinions and beliefs so that he could, again, choose who to tell.
I do agree that it is a need to know basis... but he decides what he needs to know just as I do. If he asks a question that I think he may not be happy knowing the answer to I give him a 'second chance' and say 'are you sure you want me to answer that' He will probably retract the question or may insist on being answered. That is the way I parent and when I ask questions of him he will give me the same 'second chance'.
Quote by splendid_
I have no idea how 'you' envisage a conversation happening between an adult and child. I certainly haven't ever sat him down and handed over all of the information in one go... It was a drip feed in response to questions over years.
I am almost sure that I haven't ever used the term 'swinging' as that has negative connotations that he may pick up along the way from some other medium (eg The sun or daily wail)
I discussed my life and choices as and when I made them (if he asked questions that led to that discussion) just as he has done with me. As with all of the things that we discuss he is used to knowing that others may not appreciate it is acceptable and he needs to choose wisely who knows. He grew up knowing my sexuality and, to prevent him being abused because of it, I had to educate him about other's opinions and beliefs so that he could, again, choose who to tell.
I do agree that it is a need to know basis... but he decides what he needs to know just as I do. If he asks a question that I think he may not be happy knowing the answer to I give him a 'second chance' and say 'are you sure you want me to answer that' He will probably retract the question or may insist on being answered. That is the way I parent and when I ask questions of him he will give me the same 'second chance'.

Splendid I agree with you, I have not said once that it is something I feel I need to sit down and tell my children at the moment. I said when I feel the time is right I would.
I believe nothing in my house should ever be a subject, this is how I was raised. I have never frowned on or judged my parents for choices they have made, or of things they have told me. I feel this is what makes a non judgement of people and an open mind.
But I do accept we all think different and treat things in a different way, I do not have an issue with anyone that sees things differently to me, but I am happy doing things my way.
Quote by Theladyisaminx
I have no idea how 'you' envisage a conversation happening between an adult and child. I certainly haven't ever sat him down and handed over all of the information in one go... It was a drip feed in response to questions over years.
I am almost sure that I haven't ever used the term 'swinging' as that has negative connotations that he may pick up along the way from some other medium (eg The sun or daily wail)
I discussed my life and choices as and when I made them (if he asked questions that led to that discussion) just as he has done with me. As with all of the things that we discuss he is used to knowing that others may not appreciate it is acceptable and he needs to choose wisely who knows. He grew up knowing my sexuality and, to prevent him being abused because of it, I had to educate him about other's opinions and beliefs so that he could, again, choose who to tell.
I do agree that it is a need to know basis... but he decides what he needs to know just as I do. If he asks a question that I think he may not be happy knowing the answer to I give him a 'second chance' and say 'are you sure you want me to answer that' He will probably retract the question or may insist on being answered. That is the way I parent and when I ask questions of him he will give me the same 'second chance'.

Splendid I agree with you, I have not said once that it is something I feel I need to sit down and tell my children at the moment. I said when I feel the time is right I would.
I believe nothing in my house should ever be a subject, this is how I was raised. I have never frowned on or judged my parents for choices they have made, or of things they have told me. I feel this is what makes a non judgement of people and an open mind.
But I do accept we all think different and treat things in a different way, I do not have an issue with anyone that sees things differently to me, but I am happy doing things my way.
The main difference I can see between you and Splendid is that her child asks questions (so they are ready/want/need to know the answer). You said that when you want you will tell your children (so they may not be ready/want/need to know the answer).
All in all, as a parent you have a right to bring your child up as you wish (and within the law) and sod anybody else as they are not living your life.
Dave_Notts
Quote by Dave__Notts
I have no idea how 'you' envisage a conversation happening between an adult and child. I certainly haven't ever sat him down and handed over all of the information in one go... It was a drip feed in response to questions over years.
I am almost sure that I haven't ever used the term 'swinging' as that has negative connotations that he may pick up along the way from some other medium (eg The sun or daily wail)
I discussed my life and choices as and when I made them (if he asked questions that led to that discussion) just as he has done with me. As with all of the things that we discuss he is used to knowing that others may not appreciate it is acceptable and he needs to choose wisely who knows. He grew up knowing my sexuality and, to prevent him being abused because of it, I had to educate him about other's opinions and beliefs so that he could, again, choose who to tell.
I do agree that it is a need to know basis... but he decides what he needs to know just as I do. If he asks a question that I think he may not be happy knowing the answer to I give him a 'second chance' and say 'are you sure you want me to answer that' He will probably retract the question or may insist on being answered. That is the way I parent and when I ask questions of him he will give me the same 'second chance'.

Splendid I agree with you, I have not said once that it is something I feel I need to sit down and tell my children at the moment. I said when I feel the time is right I would.
I believe nothing in my house should ever be a subject, this is how I was raised. I have never frowned on or judged my parents for choices they have made, or of things they have told me. I feel this is what makes a non judgement of people and an open mind.
But I do accept we all think different and treat things in a different way, I do not have an issue with anyone that sees things differently to me, but I am happy doing things my way.
The main difference I can see between you and Splendid is that her child asks questions (so they are ready/want/need to know the answer). You said that when you want you will tell your children (so they may not be ready/want/need to know the answer).
All in all, as a parent you have a right to bring your child up as you wish (and within the law) and sod anybody else as they are not living your life.
Dave_Notts
Dave I said in the op I feel at the right time in their lives I will tell my children
ok I should have said would instead of will.
I never said "when I want I will tell my children.
But you are right we bring our children up as we wish. lol
I did ask how others would handle it, I didnt ask to be told what I should do.
My children are all adults and they are all beautiful and wonderful people (a bit like me smile I would never discuss any intimate details of my partners and my sex life, swinging or otherwise. However, I would never lie to them and would be quite happy to tell them that we swing but that is as much info as they would get. I would never volunteer this though.
Is this wrong????????
Quote by Theladyisaminx

The main difference I can see between you and Splendid is that her child asks questions (so they are ready/want/need to know the answer). You said that when you want you will tell your children (so they may not be ready/want/need to know the answer).
All in all, as a parent you have a right to bring your child up as you wish (and within the law) and sod anybody else as they are not living your life.
Dave_Notts

Dave I said in the op I feel at the right time in their lives I will tell my children
Thats what I said above. The difference between both posts is that you will decide and not your child. The other poster said she will wait for her child to ask the questions
ok I should have said would instead of will.
It is still you deciding and not your child. That is the difference.
I never said "when I want I will tell my children.
You said when you decide it is the right time, you will tell them. In other words, when you want you will tell them
But you are right we bring our children up as we wish. lol
Absolutely, each to their own
I did ask how others would handle it, I didnt ask to be told what I should do.
I haven't. You said you agree with Splendid's post, but my understanding is that the two posts are different. Hence my reasons above. I am just getting confused by what you are saying. Do you mean you as the parent will decide when it is right for a child to be told or will you wait for the child to ask?
Dave_Notts
Quote by Dave__Notts

The main difference I can see between you and Splendid is that her child asks questions (so they are ready/want/need to know the answer). You said that when you want you will tell your children (so they may not be ready/want/need to know the answer).
All in all, as a parent you have a right to bring your child up as you wish (and within the law) and sod anybody else as they are not living your life.
Dave_Notts

Dave I said in the op I feel at the right time in their lives I will tell my children
Thats what I said above. The difference between both posts is that you will decide and not your child. The other poster said she will wait for her child to ask the questions
ok I should have said would instead of will.
It is still you deciding and not your child. That is the difference.
I never said "when I want I will tell my children.
You said when you decide it is the right time, you will tell them. In other words, when you want you will tell them
But you are right we bring our children up as we wish. lol
Absolutely, each to their own
I did ask how others would handle it, I didnt ask to be told what I should do.
I haven't. You said you agree with Splendid's post, but my understanding is that the two posts are different. Hence my reasons above. I am just getting confused by what you are saying. Do you mean you as the parent will decide when it is right for a child to be told or will you wait for the child to ask?
Dave_Notts

Maybe I could have been clearer in my op.
We talk openly about sex in our house, given the fact too that sex education is taught at such a young age now. If I felt my child was at a age that I thought they would understand and the conversation was that we thought it was approprate to tell them then, I would not hide the fact of what I have done. That is to have had sex outside of a stable loving and committed realationship.
I don't feel it is something I would need to keep from them.
We haven't put at risk our commitment to our Children or each other so I think it could help in their future thoughts of keeping an open mind about such things.
I wouldn't endorse the fact that it would be right for them or indeed they need to try it.
Unlike before I started I had a very closed mind on how it could work.
Quote by Theladyisaminx

The main difference I can see between you and Splendid is that her child asks questions (so they are ready/want/need to know the answer). You said that when you want you will tell your children (so they may not be ready/want/need to know the answer).
All in all, as a parent you have a right to bring your child up as you wish (and within the law) and sod anybody else as they are not living your life.
Dave_Notts

Dave I said in the op I feel at the right time in their lives I will tell my children
Thats what I said above. The difference between both posts is that you will decide and not your child. The other poster said she will wait for her child to ask the questions
ok I should have said would instead of will.
It is still you deciding and not your child. That is the difference.
I never said "when I want I will tell my children.
You said when you decide it is the right time, you will tell them. In other words, when you want you will tell them
But you are right we bring our children up as we wish. lol
Absolutely, each to their own
I did ask how others would handle it, I didnt ask to be told what I should do.
I haven't. You said you agree with Splendid's post, but my understanding is that the two posts are different. Hence my reasons above. I am just getting confused by what you are saying. Do you mean you as the parent will decide when it is right for a child to be told or will you wait for the child to ask?
Dave_Notts

Maybe I could have been clearer in my op.
We talk openly about sex in our house, given the fact too that sex education is taught at such a young age now. If I felt my child was at a age that I thought they would understand and the conversation was that we thought it was approprate to tell them then, I would not hide the fact of what I have done. That is to have had sex outside of a stable loving and committed realationship.
I don't feel it is something I would need to keep from them.
We haven't put at risk our commitment to our Children or each other so I think it could help in their future thoughts of keeping an open mind about such things.
I wouldn't endorse the fact that it would be right for them or indeed they need to try it.
Unlike before I started I had a very closed mind on how it could work.
As I have already stated, would you tell them everything? If not then that is double standards, in what you have wrote previously.
You either tell them or...you don't. You cannot state you are being openminded and honest, and then keep the details of what you have done, a secret. It's all or nothing. Or are you only going to tell them ( when YOU are ready )to skip the details.
I do not think anyone on here who knows you, does not know your kind of swinging, if you get my drift, so how will your kids feel towards not just you, but their Father?
Crikey you are going down such a dangerous path. Why is it that parents nowadays put being a friend before a parent?
This is my final word on this as I am struggling to understand this, and yes Davey I am still perplexed and astonished that any parent would openly and willingly, give this kind of information to their kids.... A strange world we live in.
Quote by kentswingers777

The main difference I can see between you and Splendid is that her child asks questions (so they are ready/want/need to know the answer). You said that when you want you will tell your children (so they may not be ready/want/need to know the answer).
All in all, as a parent you have a right to bring your child up as you wish (and within the law) and sod anybody else as they are not living your life.
Dave_Notts

Dave I said in the op I feel at the right time in their lives I will tell my children
Thats what I said above. The difference between both posts is that you will decide and not your child. The other poster said she will wait for her child to ask the questions
ok I should have said would instead of will.
It is still you deciding and not your child. That is the difference.
I never said "when I want I will tell my children.
You said when you decide it is the right time, you will tell them. In other words, when you want you will tell them
But you are right we bring our children up as we wish. lol
Absolutely, each to their own
I did ask how others would handle it, I didnt ask to be told what I should do.
I haven't. You said you agree with Splendid's post, but my understanding is that the two posts are different. Hence my reasons above. I am just getting confused by what you are saying. Do you mean you as the parent will decide when it is right for a child to be told or will you wait for the child to ask?
Dave_Notts

Maybe I could have been clearer in my op.
We talk openly about sex in our house, given the fact too that sex education is taught at such a young age now. If I felt my child was at a age that I thought they would understand and the conversation was that we thought it was approprate to tell them then, I would not hide the fact of what I have done. That is to have had sex outside of a stable loving and committed realationship.
I don't feel it is something I would need to keep from them.
We haven't put at risk our commitment to our Children or each other so I think it could help in their future thoughts of keeping an open mind about such things.
I wouldn't endorse the fact that it would be right for them or indeed they need to try it.
Unlike before I started I had a very closed mind on how it could work.
As I have already stated, would you tell them everything? If not then that is double standards, in what you have wrote previously.
You either tell them or...you don't. You cannot state you are being openminded and honest, and then keep the details of what you have done, a secret. It's all or nothing. Or are you only going to tell them ( when YOU are ready )to skip the details.
I do not think anyone on here who knows you, does not know your kind of swinging, if you get my drift, so how will your kids feel towards not just you, but their Father?
Crikey you are going down such a dangerous path. Why is it that parents nowadays put being a friend before a parent?
This is my final word on this as I am struggling to understand this, and yes Davey I am still perplexed and astonished that any parent would openly and willingly, give this kind of information to their kids.... A strange world we live in.
Please dont base your worldly opinion just on me, there are far more than just me that lives in it! wink
Quote by kentswingers777

The main difference I can see between you and Splendid is that her child asks questions (so they are ready/want/need to know the answer). You said that when you want you will tell your children (so they may not be ready/want/need to know the answer).
All in all, as a parent you have a right to bring your child up as you wish (and within the law) and sod anybody else as they are not living your life.
Dave_Notts

Dave I said in the op I feel at the right time in their lives I will tell my children
Thats what I said above. The difference between both posts is that you will decide and not your child. The other poster said she will wait for her child to ask the questions
ok I should have said would instead of will.
It is still you deciding and not your child. That is the difference.
I never said "when I want I will tell my children.
You said when you decide it is the right time, you will tell them. In other words, when you want you will tell them
But you are right we bring our children up as we wish. lol
Absolutely, each to their own
I did ask how others would handle it, I didnt ask to be told what I should do.
I haven't. You said you agree with Splendid's post, but my understanding is that the two posts are different. Hence my reasons above. I am just getting confused by what you are saying. Do you mean you as the parent will decide when it is right for a child to be told or will you wait for the child to ask?
Dave_Notts

Maybe I could have been clearer in my op.
We talk openly about sex in our house, given the fact too that sex education is taught at such a young age now. If I felt my child was at a age that I thought they would understand and the conversation was that we thought it was approprate to tell them then, I would not hide the fact of what I have done. That is to have had sex outside of a stable loving and committed realationship.
I don't feel it is something I would need to keep from them.
We haven't put at risk our commitment to our Children or each other so I think it could help in their future thoughts of keeping an open mind about such things.
I wouldn't endorse the fact that it would be right for them or indeed they need to try it.
Unlike before I started I had a very closed mind on how it could work.
As I have already stated, would you tell them everything? If not then that is double standards, in what you have wrote previously.
Without going into detail yes I would, I have never felt the need to hide anything from my children, and neither have my parents, I know of the ghosts if that is what you would like to call in their cupboards, and feel I am happy not having any in mine.
I agree not all would see things in the same light and I don't expect them too.

You either tell them or...you don't. You cannot state you are being openminded and honest, and then keep the details of what you have done, a secret. It's all or nothing. Or are you only going to tell them ( when YOU are ready )to skip the details.
I dont understand what you are exactly getting at here
I do not think anyone on here who knows you, does not know your kind of swinging, if you get my drift, so how will your kids feel towards not just you, but their Father?
We swing as a couple why would they think any different about either?
I don't quiet understand the angle of the question.
It is something we both wanted to do, both agreed to, and both don't feel ashamed about and both would talk to our children about if and when the time came.

Crikey you are going down such a dangerous path. Why is it that parents nowadays put being a friend before a parent?
You may think that it is a dangerous path I don't see it as such, so that is your opinion that you are intitled too. Why do you think that it so wrong to be able to meet at some stage your children on the same level?
At a point when they are adults are they not on the same level as us.

This is my final word on this as I am struggling to understand this, and yes Davey I am still perplexed and astonished that any parent would openly and willingly, give this kind of information to their kids.... A strange world we live in.
I don't expect any answers from you, as you said you are away from the thread, I just wanted to clarify some questions you raised, as these are my opinions.
I dont feel the need to confide in my friends or Kids about my sex life.
My kids mother decided she was gay after 15 years of marriage, so our friends and kids know that we are open minded about sexuality.
If anyone asked me outright if I was a swinger then I would strongly consider telling them the truth. I am not ashamed of the lifestyle i have.
For all those that have posted about being mortified if their parents knew. Have you ever considered that they may be swingers or wife swapers from a few years ago and have kept it all secret from you??? how scary is that lol
Quote by M8-Me
For all those that have posted about being mortified if their parents knew. Have you ever considered that they may be swingers or wife swapers from a few years ago and have kept it all secret from you??? how scary is that lol

But I don't want to envisage either of my parents 'in action' and neither would I want them to be able to envisage me!
There must be tales around of someone bumping into a parent at a club ... Thank god mine live on the other side of the world - and I don't go to clubs!
Now we have finally got to the bottom of what you were thinking Minxy........
......Yep I am the same as you and would discuss it with them if they brought it up. We talk openly in this house and nothing is hidden. We may have to put it in a way that they understand, at the different ages that the kids are.
Dave_Notts
This is something one could only consider when your kids are no longer kids. ie they are sufficently mature and have had the basics of a sex life and are considering branching out into their own adventures.
Sharing any experiences is interesting. Telling people or being told about things takes away the surprise and expectations.
Quote by duncanlondon
This is something one could only consider when your kids are no longer kids. ie they are sufficently mature and have had the basics of a sex life and are considering branching out into their own adventures.
Sharing any experiences is interesting. Telling people or being told about things takes away the surprise and expectations.

Sharing experiences is a great way to gather information to make a more informed choice.
We all here must of at some stage watched programmes read information, or even since spoken to others about their experiences about this lifestyle. Before during and after taking the plunge.
That is still being told about things if I decided to inform my children about this lifestyle I believe that would just be like hearing it from someone as to be able to help form their own opinion. But from someone that they could trust to answer truthfully.
We swing with a couple who have told their daughters (in their 20s) - they joke that when they're off to stay with us or friends the daughters say "off swinging again this weekend mum?" Rose's sons (20s again) know, as one of them found a picture of a home 4some on the computer, but we don't discuss it with them and they don't ask.
Geoff keeps on expecting to find his daughter has a profile here! We think she probably swings but wouldn't ask, as it's her business. Young adults are a lot more sexually liberated than we were at that age so they're unlikely to be shocked.
If your children are young or not sexually active it would be wrong to tell them or let them find out. It might upset them and they might tell their schoolfriends - or teacher!
We don't go round telling people, but we're not ashamed of being swingers. We've had a friend ask us directly if we were, and we said yes. She wanted to know what it involved and we told her, and she was fascinated. We've offered to take her clubbing and she's plucking up courage!
Quote by duncanlondon
This is something one could only consider when your kids are no longer kids. ie they are sufficently mature and have had the basics of a sex life and are considering branching out into their own adventures.
Sharing any experiences is interesting. Telling people or being told about things takes away the surprise and expectations.

We told our kids and my sister they all laughed for a fortnight lol. But they have respect for us and likewise we for them, and it's made not a jot of difference to our family relationships.
I think it depends on the individual to be honest. No-one can say what is right or wrong, its a matter of personal circumstances.
Gold
xx
we have 3 boys (between 7 and 13 yo) and it's a resounding no from me, even when their ages are taken out of the equation.
I am all for choices and those that know me can vouch for my open mindedness but I would not want to influence that part of my childrens' lives by inferring that a swinging lifestyle is 'the norm'. If their future choices, preferences, experiences, etc take them down a 'swinging' route then so be it.
I also choose not to divulge that we have anal sex, that I am circumstantially bi, that I like to see mrs cuk with other fellas etc etc smile
Quote by cukman
I also choose not to divulge that we have anal sex, that I am circumstantially bi, that I like to see mrs cuk with other fellas etc etc smile

That made me laugh :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:
Quote by cukman
we have 3 boys (between 7 and 13 yo) and it's a resounding no from me, even when their ages are taken out of the equation.
I am all for choices and those that know me can vouch for my open mindedness but I would not want to influence that part of my childrens' lives by inferring that a swinging lifestyle is 'the norm'. If their future choices, preferences, experiences, etc take them down a 'swinging' route then so be it.
I also choose not to divulge that we have anal sex, that I am circumstantially bi, that I like to see mrs cuk with other fellas etc etc smile

My kids are well past the stage of being influenced by anything I do, they are 33 and 40, so they know a bit about life, and make their own choices without my assistance. I do think that this is something that comes down to individual choices, there are no hard and fast rules.
But I would add that there is no way I would have told my kids when they were much younger, I agree its not really a wise thing to consider. xx
Goldsmith
I think my son already suspects - He is 18 - I dont mind and won't deny it - but I want him to make his own path - if it intersects ours then so be it, being in the form of curiosity or coincidence it is the way of the world.
As I have said before - our kids and theirs are getting far more open minded sexually - I think they will be referring to swinging as the vogue of the time in the future.....
Enough! I'm boring everyone zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz biggrin