Do You Need To Talk To Your Teenager About Sex?
September 17, 2009
We have all been there before. When you are a teenager, sex is on your mind. It’s that simple. Are you a parent? If your children are now becoming young adults, there are a few things you should consider.
It is important that you ensure your son or daughter has the right information. The best way to ensure your child makes the right decisions is to arm them with knowledge. Here are a few tips to help make that talk a bit easier.
Teenagers and sex is one issue all parents have to face sooner or later. But when is the right time to raise the subject of teenagers and sex and who should do it. If you’re beginning to have concerns about your teenager and sex, here are a few pointers.
Does your teenage son or daughter think about sex?
You may not wish to think about this. You might not believe that teens should be thinking about sex. The pure fact is, they are. It’s very natural to think about sex at that age. Your child is no exception. Teens start becoming sexually interested at a very early age. This is especially true in our society. Ignoring the truth will not help.
Don’t be afraid to ask your child about these things. Find out the truth by asking. Make sure that you create an open dialogue with your children. They need to know that it’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to be unsure. Communication is the key to guiding your teen down the right path.
If your child is having sex, it’s best that they tell you.
Don’t force them to keep secrets. If your child is sexually active they are sure to have many questions to ask. They need someone who they are comfortable talking to. Would you like to be this person? You should be this person. It’s better that your child tells you the truth, even if you don’t like this truth.
If you are too strict you may push your child away. You do not need to talk about sex over the dinner table. Just make sure that when your child begins to have sex, they know they can tell you and ask for your advice. They are going to do it either way. It’s best that you’re there to guide them in their life journey.
How do I know when they are old enough to talk about sex?
To tell you the truth, there is no “right” age that you should talk to a child about sex. A good rule of thumb: if your child is old enough to be interested in sex and ask you, they are probably old enough to hear about it. However, use your own sense of judgement. If your four year old asks about sex, you don’t need to give them all of the details.
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