Talking to your children can help them make the decisions that are best for them without feeling pressured to do something before they are ready. Helping children understand that these are decisions that require maturity and responsibility will increase the chance that they make good choices. Adolescents are able to talk about lovemaking and sex in terms of dating and relationships. They may need help dealing with the intensity of their own sexual feelings, confusion regarding their sexual identity, and sexual behavior in a relationship. Concerns regarding masturbation, menstruation, contraception, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases are common.
Some adolescents also struggle with conflicts around family, religious or cultural values.
Open communication and accurate information from parents increases the chance that teens will postpone sex and will use appropriate methods of birth control once they begin. Maintain a calm and non-critical atmosphere for discussions. Use words that are understandable and comfortable. Be open in sharing your values and concerns. Discuss the importance of responsibility for choices and decisions.