Teen Sexual Health

Parents Forum

Facilitator's Background Notes | Forum Planning | How To Talk To Your Teen About Healthy Sexuality (Tip Sheet)

How To Talk To Your Teen About Healthy Sexuality (Tip Sheet)

Talking to children about sex can be difficult and awkward for many parents. Here are a few excellent websites that offer information and guidance on how to communicate with your child about sexuality and sexual health.

Resources:

• How to Talk to your Teen about Healthy Sexuality

Helpful Hints:

• In order to talk to your child about sexual issues with confidence and comfort, become aware and informed of the facts yourself.
• YOUR ATTITUDE towards sex will greatly impact if and how your child talks to you about sex. Create a comfortable atmosphere for understanding and open communication.
• To enhance the dialogue between you and your teen, become more accepting of your child's attitudes and values towards sex, even if you do not agree with them.
• Discuss your beliefs and values. Your children need to know what's important to you.
• Start the discussions at an early age, beginning with proper terminology for body parts. This will make it easier to talk about sexuality and safer sex when children are adolescents.
• Peers are important to youth. Get to know your child's friends and establish a dialogue with them.
• If your child is engaging in risk-taking behavior, getting upset may be counter-productive. Discuss your concerns with your child and be able to refer your child to appropriate resources.

Also see our Resources Section

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