Maintain an ongoing dialogue, and communicate morals, values and examples. Encouraging your teen to talk with other trusted adults about sexuality is important. Red flags to dangerous sexual risk taking can include unprotected intercourse, repeated exposure to victimization in unhealthy or dangerous sexual relationships, or a history of sexually abusing others. Educate yourself about the spectrum of adolescent sexual behaviors. Enforcing rigid gender roles or sexual orientation can be extremely damaging.
Parents communicate values and morals best by example.
It's important to be aware of how you speak and act concerning sexual and gender issues in front of your teens. Adolescents respond best to suggestions rather than directives, highlighting the importance of the parent's role as guide during these crucial years. Thirty sessions will address issues that affect today's women, such as balancing stress, choosing herbal remedies and managing managed care, as well as highlight traditional health topics, such as breast and ovarian cancer, incontinence, heart disease, lesbian health, depression and menopause. Copyright 2000 Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.