Talking With Kids About Sex and Birth Control
Summary:
It is very important for parents and adults to be the first ones to explain facts on sex and birth control with their children. Explaining such matters to youngsters will definitely keep them from unwanted consequences like early pregnancies. In line with this, the author of the article provides helpful tips on how parents should talk with their teenagers regarding sex and the use of birth control.
Keywords:
birth control
Article Body:
It is perfectly normal for parents to have a hard time talking to their kids about sex and birth control. Properly and clearly discussing sexuality to children and teenagers is very important as this will certainly prevent unwanted and unexpected situations that can seriously affect the future of the children.
Even though discussing sexuality matters with youngsters is an essential task for parents, they still find it hard to open up or initiate the conversation with their children. Some are afraid that their teens might misinterpret the sensitive things they explain to their youngsters.
So, if you are one of those parents who do not know how to begin the conversation on sex and birth control with your young ones, read the following tips below for some helpful advice on such dilemma.
* Determine your own attitude regarding sex and birth control.
It is proven that teens who can talk with adults regarding issues on sex are the ones whose parents are comfortable and are open about the subject. When kids are exposed in such environment, they are less likely to be engaged in pre-marital sex and unwanted pregnancy.
As such, being comfortable with sex is important for you to be able to discuss the matter with your teenagers. If you are uncomfortable with sex and the use of birth control, try to discuss first your beliefs and feelings with your spouse, close friend, or with a physician. This way, you will be able to feel more confident on discussing sexuality matters with your teens.
* Begin discussing sexuality matters with your teenagers as early as possible.
It is best to try discussing sexuality matters with your young ones as early as possible in order for you to have an easier time explaining even more serious and complicated matters with them in the future. Begin when your child is in his or her early adolescent age. Take advantage of situations when you can best discuss sexuality and birth control use with your kids.
* When discussing sexuality and birth control with teens, also explain the emotional aspects of these issues.
Apart from explaining the biological aspects of sex and the use of birth control, it is also important for you to include the emotional inclinations of these matters. By discussing these with your teen, he or she will be able to understand more the consequences and responsibilities involved in participating in sexual activities and using birth control methods. Knowing these things will also protect your child from untimely pregnancies.
* Make sure to provide appropriate and accurate information.
Once you start the conversation with your teenager, make sure to explain only accurate information regarding sexuality and the use of birth control methods. Never lie. Instead, leave the topics that you are still uncomfortable to discuss. Explain them once you are ready so you can avoid telling false facts to your teenager.
In addition, explain sexuality topics that are appropriate to your child's age. Do not cram your teen's mind with info that he or she still cannot understand. Explaining some facts and issues that are inappropriate with your child's age will only confuse his or her concept on sexuality.
Talking To Your Teenage Son About His Cheating Ways
Every parent wants to raise their son to be a mature, responsible young man. Men who are considerate and loyal. For the most part, of our sons will end up that way, eventually in time. However, in the meantime, they will make a lot of mistakes. One of those mistakes likely involves breaking a few hearts along the way.
A large number of teenage boys “play the field” behind the backs of their devoted girlfriends. As much as you don’t want to know or admit it, your own son may be among them. But, what to do if and when you learn this important, yet heartbreaking piece of information? If you discover that your son is a player per say, there are a few ways you can go about handling the situation. A few of these ways are highlighted below for your convenience.
One approach is to just stay out of the situation completely. Since all teenage relationships are basically learning experiences, you should allow them to learn. There are a number of benefits to giving him the freedom to make his own mistakes. If you believe this way of thinking, you may just want to ignore the situation. With that said, if you suspect that your son might be jeopardizing his own health and safety or the health and safety of others by cheating, you may want to deal with the problem head-on.
Putting things into perspective for your son is another approach that you can and may want to take. What you can do is appeal to your son’s own sense of decency. Ask him to imagine how he would feel if someone broke his heart and trust in that same way. As a parent, you may be surprised just how effective this approach is. Many times, all it takes is a gentle and respectable reminder that they are not the only people in the world who have feelings and experience hurt and pain.
Discuss the consequences with your son. The consequences of cheating may seem like common sense to us, but to a teenager who lives in the moment, these ideas are fleeting, at best. Your son may not even have considered the idea of losing the friendship of a girl he cares about, developing a reputation that may impact and prevent future relationships, and so forth.
If you are worried about seeming over protective or appearing as the overbearing parent, you may want to take the “cool” approach to the situation. Most teenage boys are fueled by the approval of their peers. This means that looking “cool” to their friends is very important. You can and should try to convince your son that he doesn’t need multiple girlfriends to fit in or just because everyone else thinks that it is cool to cheat.
By implementing a few of the above mentioned steps, you may be able to help your cheating teenage son change his ways. However, even if you are completely unsuccessful in getting your son to stop his cheating, the important message is still fresh in his mind. It is likely that he will, one day, meet that special someone who leaves him with the urge to stay faithful. Until then, it is your job, as the parent, to support him as best you can even while voicing your displeasures.