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  

Parenting: Don't try this alone!

                                                                    source

Whether there are two very hands on parents in the home, a single parent, blended family or a grandparent raising grandchildren, raising children was never meant for anyone to do alone.

The quote, it takes a village to raise a child, is definitely true when it comes to parenting.  Along with the many joys and precious memories that come with raising kids, even "healthy" families experience challenges, obstacles and seasons of difficulty.

The struggles in 2013 are very different than they were in 1913, but the positive side of parenting in modern times is that there are SO many resources available to parents and families.  Resources (at our fingertips) that are full of wisdom and advice from professionals, success stories of thriving families and "what not to dos".

In addition to P.A.T.H's interactive website, there are many other resources that are worth looking into:

::Podcasts

::Blogs (by or for parents - like this one : )

::Websites 

::Books, books, books (i.e. topics like: parenting, communication skills, 

    teens and sex, etc.) 

::Your place of faith 

::Family counseling

::Other parents (that have the similar parenting standards as your family)

::Mom groups (i.e. similar to M.O.P.S for mothers of younger children)

At a Positive Approach to Teen Health, we are committed to helping teens and young people to make informed and healthy choices for their futures.  In addition, we want to come along side of parents/guardians and keep them informed about issues, statistics and parenting strategies regarding young people today.  We want to be a voice of encouragement in this part of the journey of life called Parenting.

We hope that whatever your family situation may be, you have a strong support system around you.  If you are feeling alone in parenthood, maybe it's time to get pro-active and seek out your "village".

Parents/guardians, what are some of the ways you feel support in raising children?  We'd love to hear from you.

Registration is closing today!

This is just a reminder that we would love to have you join us at the American Teens in Crisis Conference next Tuesday, April 16.  Registration closes today.  

Please come join us as we explore the topic of Myth vs. Fact and present statistics to expose the trends, dangers, and consequences of high-risk behaviors among today's teens.  Come be informed!

Click here for more details and to register.  

You're invited!

Parents, you're invited!  P.A.T.H. is hosting The American Teens in Crisis conference, which will be held next week in Valparaiso, Indiana.  The focus will be on teen health as it relates to peer and family relationships, schools, community and media.  

Most parents feel that they no longer have any influence over their teens.  In fact, a survey states that despite what parents may believe, 46% of teens say that their parents are the most influential factor on their decisions regarding sex.  

The focus of this conference will be to inform attendees on the topic of myth vs. fact.  Please make plans to join us as we explore this topic and present statistics to expose the trends, dangers, and consequences of high-risk behaviors among today's teens.   

Click here to find out more and to register. We hope to see you there!