How do you plan on talking to your teenager about sex?

Sarah - posted on 04/11/2010

I disagree with the birth control/condom thing....I think that just encourages the behavior. For me I would not leave alcohol around or throw a party with alcohol at my house just because I know that many kids do drink when underage. For me I think you teach them why it is not a good idea and help them stay away from situations that may put them in temptation. Does it mean I can be there 24/7....no, but I think you do what you can and you put your trust in your child (unless they have shown to be untrustworthly and then you restrict more). For the talking about sex thing. That comes when they are 2 yrs old and learning about their body parts. Just like everything else in life you teach them different things depending on their age. You start with the body parts then as they get older you talk about how babies grow in mommy's tummy. Then how babies are created and how their bodies change as they get older. You keep it simple and let them ask the questions when they are young. As they get older you talk more and about your values. The "talk" is not just a one time thing. It is a life long talk that you do at different stages of their life and not just a one time thing. It should be something that is talked about more than once when they become pre-teens and teens. Allow it to be a topic that is talked about here and there and a thing they can come to you with questions. For girls American Girl makes a good book that is very helpful. Boys I am not sure on books.

Jamie - posted on 04/11/2010

I have a 2 year old and i am dreading when she get to the age of" the talk ".For your son depending on what age,i would just give him condoms one day and tell him to use them.Some people say its not good to do that because its like youre telling them to go have sex,but in all reality youre telling them to do it safe and to not bring home anyone pregnant.As u know...theyre going to do it anyway and when youre that young youre not going to stop in the heat of the moment to get a condom,so it would be better if he was prepared!I hope this helps!

Katherine - posted on 04/11/2010

My husband and I both agree that we are going to be realistic about it. When they (we have two boys) get to be teenagers (13 to be specific) everything will be laid out plain and simple. And they will be told that it is better to wait untill you meet the right person, but my husband and I aren't stupid and we know they wont wait, so they will also be told that untill they are 16 it is not acceptable. When they turn 16 we will talk to them about ways to prevent pregnancy. Like make sure that the girl is on BC, and always have condoms. We plan to be very open with our kids. As my parents were with me. Of course every parent wants to think that their child is not going to have sex, and most say that sex is unacceptable and don't teach their children. But in reality kids are going to find a way to have sex if they want to, and I believe it is better that they are informed on everything that can happen, and informed on ways to protect themselves. My parents told me that when I wanted to have sex to talk to them and they would take me to get put on BC. When I met my husband I was 16 and I told my parents that I wanted to have sex, they kept to their word and put me on BC, and some may say that it is inappropriate, but what is more appropriate....16 year olds having babbies or 16 year olds that can be honest and open with their parents and are smart enough to prevent pregnancy? Anyway, it's all up to your beliefs. You have to do what you think is right.