How to Counsel a Teen About Safe Sex

It can be difficult to talk to your teen sometimes. This is especially true when it comes to uncomfortable subjects such as sex. At this point in their life, though, when teens are feeling the pressure to have sex, you need to counsel them. Don't wait until it is too late. Follow these steps to learn how to counsel your teen about safe sex.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Counsel your teen at a time when it's convenient for both of you. This time should be free of interruptions and distractions. Make sure that you are both in a decent mood.
2. Educate yourself about the newest safe-sex practices. Your teen is not going to want to hear about something from 10 or more years ago. Do your research and print things out to reinforce your discussion when you counsel your teen about safe sex.
3. Share your feelings about sex openly and honestly when you counsel him. Let your teen know that it is okay to talk about sex without having to share any intimate details.
4. Stress to your teen when you counsel him that besides abstinence, condoms are the only way to really have safe sex. Pregnancy is not the only thing he has to worry about. There are many forms of STDs that can be acquired through vaginal, anal and oral sex.
5. Inform your teen of where she can go to get condoms without having to answer any questions. Provide her with some if she is sexually active. Give her the phone number of her physician so she can contact that doctor confidentially without having to ask you.
6. Step Six - Provide your teen with anonymous online educational resources for information on teen health and sexuality such as CoolNurse.com, to help them answer any questions they are still uncomfortable talking about in person.