How to Have "The Talk"

When it comes to your children, you don't want them to become parents before they're ready. So what or how much should you talk to them about sex? Should you push an abstinence only policy in your house or are you better off being honest?

Personally, I think that abstinence only rules only push kids to want to have sex before they are ready to deal with the consequences. They look at it as this exciting thing because they know that they are doing something that their parents disapprove off. I think at some point every parent needs to sit down with his/her child and have a talk. What you will talk about will differ with every household because everybody has a different parenting style but here are my guidelines for things you should talk to your child about if you want to avoid teenage pregnancy.

1. Educate them. I think most parents today don't want the embarrassment that often comes along with a sex talk and so they leave it up to the schools to educate their children about sex. So along with "the talk" you have to make sure that you answer any questions that your child might have because any uncertainty will often lead to curiosity.

2. Make sure that they understand the difference between having sex and making love. Explain to them that sex is a part of any normal life and that it's best enjoyed by two people who love each other and who know that they are ready to make that leap.

3. Contraceptives. It may sound stupid, and something that everybody would already know, but how can your child know if you haven't taught him/her. Make sure that you explain that if he/she makes the choice to have sex that they use protection each and every time.

4. Be as open as possible. Let them know that ultimately it's their decision and you'll love them no matter what.

5. Let them babysit. It will show them what it's like to have a child of their own to care for. It may scare them enough to not want to risk having sex. If that isn't enough of a reason, let them watch a birth. This will show them the pain that a girl can go through and how much responsibility it is having a child.

6. With today's society, you have to teach them about STDs. They may know something already but you have to let them know that it's an incredible responsibility to have sex with someone and anybody who truly loves you will get tested.

7. Show some stats. Reinforce what they have been learning in school.

It may not be a conversation that you want to have with your child, but any responsible parent will get past those nerves and force themselves to sit down and have that chat. Just remain calm and be honest with your child and tell them that they can come to you with any questions or concerns they might have.