Things You'll Need:
- Yourself
- Strength
- Honesty
- Maybe some pictures or good websites
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Step 1
First, find out some background info, the latest on myths and misconceptions about sex, and STD's
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Step 2
Talking to your teen: BE honest, tell him/her you would like to talk about sex, be upfront. Tell them they are getting to a certain age (varies, but usually 9-13)where it will become a issue soon, if it hasn't already.
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Step 3
Don't use cutesy names for private areas, and educate them on how to protect themselves against pregnancy and STD's. Warn them (in a gentle way) that someone may have a STD, even with no symptoms and may not know it. Tell them that, although they/the girl may be on birth control, it does not protect against STD's, including HIV and AIDS.
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Step 4
Make clear that the ONLY way you can prevent STD's and pregnancy is through absitence, but if not, then condoms are about 98% effective. Educate them about what works (condoms and birth control) to prevent pregnancy and STD's and what doesn't. That the pull out method is not effective or safe to prevent pregnancy or STD's.
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Step 5
Inform them that AIDS, and other STD's does not discrimate, and that it CAN happen to them. Ditto for pregnancy. They CAN get pregnant/get someone pregnant, even if it's their first time.
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Step 6
Attempt to make clear, not only the psychical aspects, but the mental/emotional ones as well, you are only a virgin once, who you give it to should be special, preferably someone you know and trust, and will be there for you, should something happen.
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Step 7
Visit your doctors office, ask them for educational booklets, and have your child checked. If (you have a daughter) and she wants birth control, allow it, making sure you warn her of the side effects and that certain meds may effect it. AND make sure she has condoms, the boy may not have one. Rather safe then sorry.
Comments
jeanef said
on 8/26/2009 SO true that 'abstinence only' does NOT work in the Real world- it just makes for more stds, and 'babies having babies' or more abortions. Research shows that Talking actually postpones their 'first time' and they need to know the Truth, not the lies they hear on the bus. And even if they do wait until Marriage, they need to know this stuff then, and to educate their peers now. Also, only One form of Birth Control is NOT enough! Babies deserve stable loving homes.
coolprofessor said
on 4/6/2009 this is a good article, but too vague. parents need to be very specific in educating their kids to the various sexual behaviors that are much safer than intercourse. The schools are not doing this, and most teens learn these things from their peers, who are usually as ignorant as they are. Many parents are reluctant to discuss such details, but it is important to remember that these specifics could save their child's life. See my essays in the Health section, on How to avoid HIV infection. What is needed is REAL "sex education" for kids. Just telling them "don't do it" is simply not effective. Be specific; save a life.