Mid Sweden University

Parents play a crucial role in the development of children’s sexual health. In a rapidly changing society, it is therefore important that parents, especially those of younger children who have not yet received sex education in school, take an active role in conversations on sexuality and relationships. While mothers have traditionally been responsible for these conversations, fathers have often remained in the background. Their role, however, is still underexplored, making it important to examine how gender norms, communication patterns, and parental involvement influence children’s access to knowledge, guidance, and support. Aim: To explore fathers’ experiences of engaging in conversations about sexual health and relationships with children aged 7 to 12 years. Method: The essay was based on a qualitative research design. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with ten fathers in March 2025. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The analysis generated three themes: (1) Conversations about sexual health and relationships contribute to self-reflection, (2) Father–child connection is essential for nurturing relational understanding through everyday conversations, (3) A sense of collective responsibility for children’s sexual health - through both words and actions. Fathers described a desire to be present and active in their children’s development, while also expressing ambivalence and uncertainty in addressing these topics. Conclusion: The findings suggest a holistic understanding of fatherhood, marked by emotional engagement, selfreflection, and a willingness to learn through interaction. Conversations with children are viewed as an important part of supporting children’s emotional and sexual well-being, and as a potential contribution to broader societal change