Talking to Teens About Sex

We have found some tips talking to teens about sex. It is very important to talk to your teens about sex and make it comfortable for them to come to you for information and advice.

Be sure to visit parentingmyteen.com a podcast and resource site for Parents of Teens.

Talking to your Teens about Sex

It may be hard for some parents to find a comfortable middle ground when it comes to talking to teens about sex. Some parents have a hard time uttering the word s-e-x, while other parents are more like the teen's buddy and want to swap stories. How the parent views sex will reflect how much and when the topic is discussed at home.

The most important issue to remember is that while it may be an uncomfortable topic to discuss, you still have an obligation to have the needed discussions - discussions plural – as in on-going. Admit that you're uncomfortable and keep talking. Talking to your teens about sex is extremely important and making them feel comfortable to come to you for advice about the topic is equally important.

Now that your teen is almost an adult, you need to have more in-depth conversations with your teen about sex. What sufficed when your young child asked where babies come from won't work now. Give information, acknowledge feelings, talk about consequences but be careful not to give too much graphic information. It's not your job to teach her/him the fine art of Karma Sutra but is your job to keep your teen informed.

Teens need to know about pregnancy, STDs, reputations and love vs. lust. You may also need to correct any false beliefs (e.g. some people aren't aware you can get STDs from oral sex, you can still get pregnant without hitting a home run).

You're only kidding yourself if you think they don't know about certain things. Your job with your teen is to provide accurate information along with 'the rest of the story.' You can't un-ring the bell. They need to know that sex changes everything.

Don't be overly concerned with the mechanics of it but rather with the emotional side. They don't know what they don't know. Teens may think they're in love or may think that they'll be better liked if they do or an outcast if they don't. You need to address the ramifications and how forever doesn't always mean forever (unless you're talking about herpes!)

Your teen already knows more than either one of you is willing to admit. Consider where teens are getting their information – many times from each other. Starting immediately look for opportunities to talk with – not to – your teen about sex.

Additional Information

Financial Aid Information Site: One-stop shop for anything about college financial aid. Learn how you can quickly and easily get more Financial Aid without having to apply for thousands of scholarships!

My Out-Of-Control Teen: On-Line Help for parents with strong-willed, out-of-control teens.

Send Your Child To College Free: Or Close to it! -- A money back guarantee. This is a guide for people who have a low to moderate income to a practically free college education, even if you have excessive credit card debt.

The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens : Author Sean Covey applies the timeless principles of the 7 Habits to teens and the tough issues and life-changing decisions they face. In an entertaining style, Covey provides a step-by-step guide to help teens improve self-image, build friendships, resist peer pressure, achieve their goals, get along with their parents, and much more.

Parenting Teens With Love And Logic: "Love and Logic" approach to parenting teens is communicated in this abridged reading which confronts us with the many challenges facing teens and their parents. The essence of this technique teaches parents to allow their children to learn about solving their own problems by setting up choices and consequences.

Chicken Soup For The Teenage Soul: This first batch of Chicken Soup for Teens consists of 101 stories every teenager can relate to and learn from -- without feeling criticized or judged. This edition contains important lessons on the nature of friendship and love, the importance of belief in the future, and the value of respect for oneself and others, and much more.

Instant College Admission Essay Kit : Admission essay/personal statement writing kit with 33 downloadable templates that can save applicants hundreds of dollars.

Additional Resources

Stay Connected : Solutions By Email

Receive our free monthly newsletter packed with motivational thoughts, articles, tips, products and resources to help you make your family's life healthier and fun. We help you handle today's tough issues like healthier lifestyles, child development, education, self-appreciation and more. Receive Monthly Newsletter