How To Talk To Teens About Sex When It Comes To Teenage Health

By Lucia Weeks


Parents are the most important sex educators for their children. How to talk to teens about sex can be a difficult task and so some parents do not want to discuss sex issues. However, teenagers will learn things on sex somewhere else and parents will have little control over what and how they learn sex issues. So it is important that parents talk to teens on sexual matters, because it is the parent's responsibility.

Talking to teens about sex should be a gradual and continuous process. The talks should be short and done frequently. The problem with having one big talk with teenagers is that the chances of them forgetting most of the things is very high. The talk should be integrated into everyday activity.

It is important to note that prior preparation is the key to success when it comes to educating teens on sex. A parent should therefore take time to read the topic. They should know about the most frequent questions asked by teenagers and then prepare the answers. Practice can be done with friends or a spouse.

The sex education for teens can begin with basic topics. Such as the male and female reproduction systems. The parent can then go ahead to explain issues on sexual intercourse and associated consequences such as pregnancy STDs and the emotional consequences. The parent can also take time to explain the effects drugs and alcohol have on sexual decisions. Parents should be able to seize the right opportunity to raise the topic on sex with teenagers. The discussion can be started anytime, like when watching television, in at grocery shopping or when washing dishes together. It is important to choose a moment that the teen is likely to be paying more attention.

Openness is very important when talking to teenagers. The parent has to explain all questions to the best of their ability. If for any reason the parent does not have immediate answers to teen's questions, attempts should be made to get the answers as soon as possible.

Try to give your teen factual information on the subject you are discussing. Your teen needs accurate information. They may learn about the subject in school and giving them inaccurate information may confuse them. Provide accurate information and be very specific with regards to how your beliefs and values either agree with or differ relating to sex. Also be clear about your feelings concerning specific issues and present the risks objectively.

During conversations do not lecture but ask your teen questions and also welcome questions from your teen. Ask sex related topics or what he or she knows regaring sex, to make sure they have accurate information. Give your teen a chance to speak and ask questions. Let him or her know that they can talk to you concerning anything.

Parents can also vary the approaches to talking to teenagers about sex. This is because one approach would not be effective all the time, especially as the teen grows up. It is important to learn about age-appropriate approaches. Approaches need to vary depending on the sex of the teen. This is because what works for boys may not work for girls.




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