Many parents delay talking to their children, perhaps because they feel ill-informed or embarrassed. Some fail to acknowledge that uncertainty is normal in learning to make sexual decisions and alienate their children by demanding rigid obedience. Several programs have helped parents communicate with their adolescent children. One US program made parents more aware of the social pressures on their children to be sexually active. In a US school program, teachers gave students the assignment to talk to their parents about sexual abstinence and contraception.
Young adults endorse informing and helping parents.
Programs that value parents' concerns and seek their support can involve them at every stage of the project.