TALKING  TO  YOUR  TEEN ABOUT  SEX

Sex   education  is  offered  in many  schools, but don't count on classroom instruction alone. Sex  education needs  to  happen at  home, too.  Help talking to  your  teen  about  sex.

Sex  education  basics  may be  covered  in  health  class,  but  your  teen  might  not  hear or understand  everything  he or  she needs  to  know  to  make tough  choices about sex. That's  where  you  come  in. Awkward  as  it may be, sex education is a parent's  responsibility. By  reinforcing  and  supplementing  what  your  teen learns in  school,  you  can  set   the stage for a lifetime  of healthy  sexuality .

Sex  is  a  staple  subject of news,  entertainment  and  advertising.  It's  often  hard to  avoid  this  ever-present  topic. But  when  parents  and  teens need to talk, it's not  always so  easy. If you wait for the perfect moment, you might miss the best opportunities. Instead, think of  sex  education  as  an  ongoing  conversation. Here  are some  ideas  to  help   you get  started — and  keep the  discussion  going.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Seize the moment.    When  a  TV  program or  music  video  raises  issues  about responsible  sexual   behavior,  use it  as  a springboard  for discussion. Remember  that everyday  moments — such  as  riding  in the  car or putting  away  groceries  , sometimes  offer  the  best  opportunities  to  talk.

      Be honest.     If you're  uncomfortable, say so ,   but   explain that  it's important  to keep talking. If   you  don't  know how  to   answer  your teen's  questions, offer  to find  the answers  or  look  them  up   together.

    Be direct.     Clearly  state  your  feelings  about  specific  issues, such  as  oral   sex  and  intercourse.   Present  the  risks  objectively,  including  emotional  pain,  sexually transmitted  infections  and  unplanned  pregnancy. Explain  that  oral   sex  isn't   a  risk-   free  alternative  to  intercourse.

Consider your teen's point of view.       Don't   lecture  your  teen  or  rely  on  scare tactics  to  discourage  sexual  activity.  Instead,   listen  carefully.  Understand  your  teen's pressures,  challenges  and concerns

Move beyond the facts.      Your   teen    needs   accurate  information  about  sex ,  but  it's  just  as  important  to  talk  about  feelings,   attitudes  and  values.  Examine  questions of  ethics  and  responsibility   in  the   context  of  your  personal  or  religious   beliefs .

• Invite more discussion.      Let   your  teen   know   that  it's  OK  to  talk  with  you about  sex  whenever  he  or  she  has  questions   or  concerns.  Reward  questions by saying,  "I'm  glad  you came  to  me."

 

BY 

Abhishek singh 

jalandhar