How to Have "The Talk" with Your Teenager

Everyone knows how hard it is to sit down and talk to your teenager as it is. Now you need to have "the talk" with them and you just don't know what to do. Then keep reading. These are just some general tips and ideas to make this an easier transition for you and your teenager.

Make sure you are both in a comfortable and relaxing environment. This will help you and your teenager relax and open up.

Make sure it is just you and your teenager. Having "the talk" in front of others will make your teenager uncomfortable and they aren't going to be focused on the topic of conversation.

Don't warn your teenager ahead of time. This will make your teenager uncomfortable, dreading what is to come. Just choose a day and do it.

Don't put off talking too long. You would rather have your teenager hear the information from you. Plus the longer you wait the harder it is going to be for both of you.

Plan what you are going to talk about. Don't give the same talk your parents gave to you. Remember times have changed. Don't share your "personal" experiences. This will embarrass your teenager as well.

Do your research. Back up the things you are going to say with facts so your teenager doesn't think you are "babbling" and don't know what you are talking about. You can go to your local doctor's office or health department and get information as well. Get some brochures and fact sheets, etc to give to your teenager. Then they can read the information on their own as well as discuss it with you.

Let your teenager know that you are uncomfortable or skittish too. They aren't the only ones nervous about the situation but this has to be done. You want to make sure they stay safe and healthy.

Don't be scared to be explicit. This is information they need to hear and know. Just basics is what they hear at school and through friends (hopefully). They need to hear specifics. How things happen. What happens when these things happen. How to prevent them. Things to watch out for.

Explain your views of sex, dating and relationships. They need to know what you think. When can they start dating? What are your values on premarital sex? Are you comfortable taking them to the doctor for birth control and their yearly check up? There are several different questions you need to think of before going into this head on. These questions very on whether you are talking to a boy or girl about it.

This is a very confusing time for your teenager. Try to answer any questions they may have as best you can. If you don't know the answer, find out together. Let them know they are not in this alone. You were there once too.

They hear a lot of information at school and from friends. This information isn't always correct and can confuse them deeply. Sometimes it is easier to ask them what they know and have heard and take the discussion from there. This way you know what you need to correct and explain.

This discussion doesn't just happen once. It should be something that once you open it up, you and your teenager should discuss often.

Be sure to discuss abstinence, birth control, diseases, sex and pregnancy. These are all topics that are very misleading when it comes to what they may and may not know.

Relax. It isn't as hard as it seems. Just go with the flow. This is a very sensitive subject for both of you. Try to make yourselves as comfortable and relaxed as possible.