Parents are mustering up the courage to talk to their kids about the birds and the bees but failing to tell them about contraception and protection.

In a survey conducted in the USA for Planned Parenthood, it was shown that though most parents give their children their version of "the talk", only 60 percent bring up birth control.

 That's even though 94 percent believe they have an influence over their children's birth control decisions, and even though 64 percent think their own parents did a less than satisfactory job at talking to them about sex.  

Leslie Kantor of Planned Parenthood says that parents need to start talking about the tougher aspects of sexuality, such as birth control and how to say no.

The survey showed that only 74 percent of parents are actively talking to their kids about how to say no to sex.

Yet, it's not always easy to get children to listen and of course, it can be an awkward subject. Here are some pointers on how to tackle talking about sex and birth control successfully:

1. Start early. Your child will ineviteably hear about sex somewhere, so rather get the facts straight from the beginning.
2. Be direct, don't try call genitals anything but genitals. Being matter of fact will get you further.
3. Create a non-threatening environment when talking about sex and contraception. Be the one to bring it up initially. Starting early and being matter of fact will help to set the tone for your future talks.
4. Listen and answer questions. You want your children to be comfortable enough to ask you questions, even of things that happened when you aren't around. Don't be afraid to get down to the specifics.
5. Teach your children that physical love is best done in a caring and respectful manner.
6. Show them how to withstand sexual pressure -- how to avoid situations in which they might be more vulnerable and also, how to say no if they are not ready and finally, that safe sex is a crucial part of the deal.
7.  Always keep the conversation open -- it shouldn't be one single talk, but an continuous, everyday conversation.