March may have been "National Talk to your Teen about Sex Month," but here at the Harrisonburg Community Health Center, we feel that safe sex is always an important issue to discuss. Here are some tips from The Office on Children and Youth for parents on how to communicate effectively with their teens about safe sex practices:
BE PREPARED: Read about the subject so your own questions are answered before talking to your teen. Practice what you plan to say with your spouse or partner, a friend, or another parent. This may make it easier to talk with your teen when the time comes. Speak calmy and clearly.
BE HONEST: Let your teen know that talking about sex is isn't easy for you but that you think it's important that information about sex comes from you. And even though you would prefer that your values be accepted, ultimately, decisions about sex are up to your teen. If your teen disagrees with you or gets angry, take heart, you have been heard. These talks will help your teen develop a solid value system, even if its different from your own.
LISTEN: Give your teen a chance to talk and ask questions. It's important that you give your full attention.
TRY TO STRIKE A BALANCE: While teens need privacy, they also need information and guidance from parents. If your teen does not want to talk with you about sex and tells you that it is none of your business, be firm and say that it is your business. Your teen should know that you are asking out of love and concern, especially because there are potentially harmful situations. If your teen is quiet when you try to talk about sex, say what you have to say anyway. Your message may get through.
ASK FOR HELP: If you just can't talk to your teen about sex, ask your pediatrician; a trusted aunt or uncle; or a minister, priest, rabbi for help. Also, many parents find it useful to give their teens a book on human sexuality and say, "Take a look at this, and let's talk."
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