Ways to Talk to Your Teen About Sex

Talking to your children about sex is a very difficult topic for them to hear and you to talk to them about. Do not give your teens the typical birds and bees talk because they have heard much more graphic and blunt terms used other places. For example, your teen has probably heard things at school and on television. In order to prepare yourself for the talk, you need to examine yourself first. If you were 13 when you lost your virginity or you had a baby at their age, you will need to explain to them why you do not want them to have sex. You can use your own life experience as a guide. If you were a pregnant teen, explain to them how hard it was to get by or to handle it on your own if you were single.

When you actually sit down to discuss it, you will need to find a way to get the conversation started without embarrassing the teen, but to create an open and understanding environment. You might start by asking open ended questions, most teens surveyed have said that their parents do influence the choices about sex that they make (First Choice Women's Centers). First Choice Women's Centers suggest that you talk to your teen small but frequent doses. This will ensure that the point gets across, but doesn't overwhelm them or make them think that you are nagging.

When you are talking to them, you can ask them if they would like to ask you any questions about sex. First you could tell them that you will not get mad and that there are no silly questions. You can in fact have an open talk without being judgmental. If you want to get through to your teen, you have to be open and honest. IF you can tell them about the risk of STDs one time, you can tell them about the risk of pregnancy also. You can also talk to them about birth control. Even if you do not want them to be sexually active you can still put your daughters on birth control and explain to your sons how to use a condom. Safe sex is a topic that must be covered.

To make this work you need to be open and honest. You need to allow for questions to be answered. Do not be close-minded. You can explain to them your past and it will help them.

When I was young, I never got the talk. My sister actually had to give me an explanation about changes and all of that information. I know it would have been embarrassing, but I would have rather been able to ask questions to mom. We didn't have that type of a relationship though. If I were closer to her back then, I would have been able to talk to her about these things. Get close to your teen. I don't mean be a best friend and not a parent. I mean be supportive of them.

First Choice Women's Centers, "Parent's Trap". First Choice Women's Centers