Recommendations for Discussing Sex with Your Teen

First, start the tough conversations long before your teen becomes a teen. In fact, start the dialogue between you and your child once they are capable of speech. Develop that life-time communication between the two of you as soon as possible so that you can build a foundation for future conversations. It's never too early to have important talks with your off-spring. If a child is old enough to ask, then they are old enough to know.

In regard to 'the talk' about sex in particular, you can often start this particular discussion with the bare basics of biology. Keep it simple and double-check with your child about how much they might know already. Then add the more important embellishment of emotional consequences. Don't be afraid to be open with your offspring about anything and everything. Use examples from your own life, even if they are bad examples. Those mistakes of yours are how you've learned your own life lessons and your child could benefit from knowing about what the consequences and pitfalls you've had to deal with have been. 'I used to date this guy/gal who...' stories will make you look more human and therefore make what you have to say a little easier to digest for your teen.

Also, do your best to respect their thoughts and feelings. Children, no matter what age, are simply adults in the earliest stages of their existence. Do your best to treat their opinions with respect - even when you disagree with their thoughts or know that your child has made an incorrect assumption. Do what you can to correct their knowledge, but keep in mind that life will teach them whatever they are unwilling or unable to learn from you.

Accept the fact that they are going to make their own mistakes. Especially when it comes to relationships. Keep in mind that this is tricky territory for adults - don't expect your child to get it right on the first try, either.

Be there for them as they stumble. Because it's going to happen a lot, no matter how much you try to prepare them. Just like those wobbly first steps they took as a baby, their first relationship steps are going to be uncertain and filled with errors.

So talk to them early and often. Share your own experiences. And be there for them as they test the waters in the wild, crazy world of dating and sex.

And good luck!