Church Attendance Can Prevent Sex!

A new study published in the Journal for Adolescent Health reports a direct connection between early sexual activity and the families religious activities. The
report concludes that teenagers who belong to a family who regularly attend church services delay their initial sexual activity. The findings were consistent with
other research being done in this area. The delayed sexual activity included all groups except blacks. Church attendance played a key role in both male and female whites and Hispanics delaying their initial sexual activity.

Researches credited one of two possibilities for the decrease in sexual activity. Either the religious beliefs of the teenagers, or the fact they belonged to a tight -knit family group. The research also found a disturbing trend with young males of this same group. The teenagers who's family regularly attends religious activities were less likely to use contraceptive during their first sexual experiences.

This is of course a major concern which can offset any confidence the parent may have from the reduced activity. Not only is there the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy, there are any number of sexually transmitted diseases present in today's world which should strike fear into every parents heart. These should also strike fear into the hearts of the teenagers, but since they are invincible at that age, little scares them.

So, what is a parent to do? You take your children to church and participate in regular religious activities, which is a good thing, for many reasons. However, as a result of this the teenager may be more reluctant to purchase contraceptives due to embarrassment or lack of knowledge. Researches also speculate the reason for reduced contraceptive use may be the unplanned nature of this groups sexual activity. Since they don't 'plan' to have sex, why would they have a contraceptive available? If you teach your children about the importance of contraceptives aren't you sending them a message that you know they are going to have sex anyway, you accept this, and want them to plan for it? Is this not a type of encouragement, or at the very least acceptance? Nobody said being a parent would ever be easy, otherwise anybody could do it, and be good at it.

As awkward as it might be, communication is the key. Studies in several areas, including sexual activity, drug use, and smoking show parental involvement plays a large role in children's decisions. They may not seem to be listening, but studies show they do hear you. The problem is, we can talk about smoking, and even drugs, but sex? How many of us actually wanted to talk to our parents about sex? After all, wouldn't that mean we would have to admit our parents did it, oh gross. Then there is the problem of contraceptives being abortive in some instances which brings up another problem entirely.

So, you are confused and you don't know what to do. It is certain a great deal is at stake, but what to do, so many choices, so much room for error. Okay, you are an adult with years of experience, you have lived through those tough teenage years, and it is still tough for you. How much more confusing and tough do you think it is for your teenager. Let's not forget the raging hormones which can change a persons perspective more than a little bite. When all is said and done, both the parent and the child are confused, don't know which way to turn, and have a list of choices with no easy answers. Bottom line, you as the parent are the adult. You have to step up and work beyond the embarrassment, beyond the awkwardness, and do what is best for your child. Talk to them. Even if you end up looking a confused and uncertain, your child will at least know you care, and they may feel better about their own uncertainty. Keep the channels of communications open, make certain your child knows they can come back with questions, concerns, or for help solving a tough problem. Don't pretend to have answers you don't have, be honest, and work through the problem with the child. Easy, no way, but you will find the more you talk to your child, the easier it becomes. Communication, faith, and prayer are the keys to success. Your children's lives are a stake, this is no time to be the strong silent type.