Catherine Sherwood-Puzzello, a clinical assistant professor in Indiana University Bloomington's Department of Applied Health Science, has offered some tips to help parents of teenagers have a conversation on sex with their teenage children.
Teenage is the most difficult phase in the process of growing up. Love and romance form an integral part of this mind-boggling time. The researcher suggests that an open talk on sex between parents and their wards will prevent the teenager from becoming sexually active. And what occasion would be better suited for this than Valentine’s Day?'Discussing sexuality issues with teens can be a difficult conversation to have, let alone even initiate,' she said in a statement on Monday.
Here are the tips given by Catherine: First, be informed. If you don’t know the answers, read books that offer help on how to talk to your teen. Several websites may be helpful, including www.familiesaretalking.org This website suggests possible situations that would help to open the topic. Families Are Talking also provides a list of helpful books that can be borrowed from their local library.
Second, be direct about family expectations and limitations about dating and sex, and the consequences of violating rules. Third, let your teen know that you are concerned and will always be available.
'Talking with teens about sexuality will not encourage them to have sex,' Sherwood-Puzzello said. Fourth, be friendly and considerate. When your teen has a question, encourage by saying, 'that's a good question' before forming an answer, she said. Fifth is being a good model and sixth is to share personal views on love and sex and romance.
Source-Medindia
ASH/B
