Parents are the biggest influence on a teen’s decisions about sex and relationships According to teens it would be easier to make decisions about sex if they could talk openly and honestly with their parents.
Take note that explaining the mechanics of sex to your teen is one thing but making sure they are ready to do the deed (and accept the responsibility) is another issue entirely.
Significant Tips
- Tell them that puberty is a normal part of growing up. Don’t lecture your teen. For girls, puberty usually starts between ages 9 and 13. For boys, it usually begins between ages 10 and 15.
- Use gender neutral terms when talking about sex. Be careful to use the word “partner” rather than “boyfriend” or “girlfriend.”
- Share facts to help them understand their changing bodies and feelings. Talk about your own experiences when you were growing up
- As your kids get older, they may be less likely to ask you questions, so it’s a good idea for you to start conversations with them and answer them. Be honest about how you are feeling. For example, if you are embarrassed or uncomfortable, it’s okay to say so.
- Let your children know that you love and accept them – no matter what. Be honest about your own teenage sexual experiences if questioned.
- First find out how much your teenage kid knows about sex. Trust me he/she will probably know more than you’d like them to but be prepared to listen without judgement. Be comfortable talking with you about sex, you need to stay calm and collected. Let him talk first. Ask him what he’s understood of sex in the media, what attitudes he’s seen and his reactions to it.
- As a parent, tell him it is cool to be a virgin. Let him know that many teenagers don’t feel ready for sex and that this is OK.
- Teach him to respect a female. Let him know that women are not trophies. Pressuring a woman for sex is not respectful and neither is treating her like an object placed there for his gratification.
- Share with him/her about different methods of contraception and their success rate.
- 10.Be clear about sexually transmitted diseases and infections, how they can catch them, what they look like and when to get tested for them. Being safe is the mature, responsible way of having sex.
- 11.Make sure your son knows and truly understands the definition of rape.
Be a Good Listener
Hearing that your teenager is ready to have sex is stressful and can be hard to process. But, by keeping an open mind and listening more than lecturing, your teen will come to you more and more as he or she experiments sexually.
