Assure them that you won't judge them. A teachable moment is a situation that opens the door for you to talk to your child or any other youth about subjects that are difficult but necessary to discuss. Issues like sexuality, alcohol and drug use, smoking, violence, eating disorders and depression are just a few examples of such topics. As a parent or guardian you need to be on the look-out for teachable moments. They make initiating conversation about these topics easier and more comfortable for you and the child you are talking with.
Media outlets are the best resource for teachable moments.
The newspaper, television, billboards, radio, magazines, movies and advertisements of all kinds are great places to start. Perhaps a storyline on a television show is about sexual activity or a magazine ad has a cartoon that makes smoking look fun, these are great opportunities to discuss your values about these topics with your child. Sometimes a discussion can be initiated from something more subtle like an outfit a star is wearing and how that portrays sexuality. Don't just limit your teachable moments to the media you are interested in, take some time to understand what interests your child. Read his or her magazines and watch their television shows with them.