FOR PARENTS

 

Why talk to your teen about sex?

“In national surveys conducted by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, teens report that their parents have the greatest influence over their decisions about sex—more than friends, siblings, or the media. Most teens also say they share their parents’ values about sex,
and making decisions about delaying sex would be easier
if they could talk openly and honestly with their parents,”
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014).

 

“Teens who talk with their parents about sex are more
likely to put off having sex until they are older. They
are also more likely to make healthy choices, like using
condoms to prevent pregnancy and STDs (sexually
transmitted diseases), if they do choose to have sex,”
(Office of Disease Prevention and Health
Promotion, 2019).

 

What tools are available to get the
conversation started?

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• Amaze for Parents: Videos to help you break the

      ice and start these critical conversations so that                     

      your kids get the accurate information they need.

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• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
  Parent and guardian resources to help teens
  make healthy choices about sex.

 

• Center for Parent & Teen Communication: 
  Science-based strategies to empower parents and
  caring adults to prepare adolescents for the future.

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• Girlology: Medically accurate puberty education and support for girls (of all ages) and parents to prepare for what's ahead. Created by two physician moms to help you navigate the journey with all the facts and greater confidence. 

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• HealthyHCPS.org: A resource for Hillsborough County Public Schools’ students and parents to learn about sexual health and the comprehensive sexual health curriculum.

 

• Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Tips on how to start important conversations with kids about sex, preventing STDs, healthy relationships, tobacco, alcohol and drugs, bullying, and depression. 

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• Download this handout for tips on partnering with your healthcare provider.

 

The University of Michigan Adolescent Health Initiative offers the following tips for how to be an “askable adult” to help foster a safe space for youth to discuss sensitive issues and feel comfortable asking you for support.

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Being an Askable Adult

• Convey warmth through body language

• Use a nonjudgmental tone of voice

• Use open-ended questions

• Practice active & reflective listening

• Do not make assumptions

• Give affirmations; do not deny, criticize or shame

• Make sure conversation focuses on adolescent

• Provide clear information, no opinions

• Discuss confidentiality