Talking To Your Children

Parents often feel embarrassed about talking to their teenage children about sex, but research shows when asked about the most influential factor in teen sexual decision making, teenagers reported that their parents as the most influential factor.¹

You as a parent have the power to help your teen be abstinent. Just because you may have made a mistake, or some mistakes, does not mean you should not have the right to share your wisdom with your teenage children. Be open with them. Tell them what consequences may have happened to someone or yourself because of participation in sex outside of marriage.

Educate yourself on the STI/STD epidemic that teenagers are facing, and what your teen is learning about sex through school, music, television, magazines, the Internet, books and peers. You need to have an understanding of youth culture, scientific data and a heartfelt appeal to give your teenager the advice he/she needs.

Never make yourself unreachable as a parent. If your child is ever in danger, the first person you want him/her to come to is you. Make sure they know that whatever the situation is , they can come to you and depend on you to be a "Parent in the Know."