Any parent who has ever tried to engage their teenager in conversation will testify that pulling teeth is easier. So imagine trying to talk to your teen about sex. First of all, there’s the parental cringe factor where they don’t even want to acknowledge that you exist. And then there’s sheer horror of you mentioning sex. Maybe pulling teeth would actually be preferable – for both parties.
But it doesn’t have to be that bad. Yes, it’s an awkward subject and one that will probably embarrass both of you. This is such an important topic and so vital for your kid’s physical and emotional wellbeing that you simply cannot avoid it. So here are 5 good reasons to start talking about sex with your teenagers.
- Remember the misinformation, half-truths and downright lies you heard as a teen whenever sex was mentioned? Better that you be the one to deliver the facts about sex than to have a blissfully ignorant youngster blunder straight into a physical relationship without a clue.
- The UK has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in Europe. Meanwhile, sexually-transmitted infections such as Chlamydia are on the rise. Giving your child advice and information can protect him or her from making a mistake they might live to regret.
- They might already be having sex but that doesn’t mean you can just shrug your shoulders and figure they can get on with things. In fact, all the more reason to sit down for a frank discussion about sex and all the good and bad things that come with it.
- No matter how grown-up your teenager appears, the truth is most youngsters are nowhere near as clued up as they claim to be. Inside they’re probably still a little scared girl or boy. So an honest chat with mum or dad about expectations, about privacy, about peer pressure and about respect can offer give them the reassurance they need and the information they want to make an informed choice about whether they want to have sex.
- Social media and the Internet has become a potent sexual mix for people of all ages but particularly teenagers. Add in current crazes such as “sexting” – where young people text provocative images of themselves – and we are in a very different world with very different rules to the ones in which most parents grew up. Be aware of these potential new dangers to your teen and be ready to broach what might be a touchy subject to ensure your youngsters stay safe, online and off.
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