Let's talk about sex!

So, maybe you won't bring it up like that and most likely, by now, you or someone else has had "the talk" or "a talk" with your teenager about sex. If not, they are sure to have been exposed to other conversations, images, opinions, advice, and even experimented in this area.  

March is National Talk to your Teen About Sex Month and we want to encourage you to keep the lines of communication open on this subject, even when it seems awkward because... 

"when parents talk to and affirm the value of their children, young people are more likely to develop positive, healthy attitudes about themselves. This is also true when the subject is sex. Research shows that positive communication between parents and their children can help young people establish individual values and make healthy decisions.

According to Barbara Huberman, RN, MEd, Director of Education and Outreach for Advocates for Youth, parents who act on the belief that young people have the right to accurate sexuality information are parents whose teens will delay the initiation of intimacy and use contraceptives when they choose to become sexually active."  source

Don't overwhelm yourself thinking it's a one time conversation and you only have one shot.  It's about using everyday teachable moments to relay  ongoing messages about safer and healthier choices to your teen.

There are so many facts available, and you don't have to have them memorized.  If your child asks a question and you don't know the answer, look it up and get back to him/her or look it up together.

Here are some topics to ponder when these opportunities arise: 

• healthy relationships
• STDs
• teen pregnancy and childbearing
• abstinence
• dating
• contraception

Some resources/books we recommend for these discussions include:

Questions Kids Ask About Sex; Honest answers for Every Age, printed by the Medical Institute for Sexual Health.

Restoring the Teenage Soul : Nurturing Sound Hearts and Minds

in a Confused Culture, by Dr. Margaret Meeker 

Your advice, open communication and listening ear in this subject area means a lot more to your teen that you may know.  

"Research confirms what young people already know - what their parents have to say matters to teens." source