TALLAHASSEE, FL -- How early is too early to have the sex talk with your child?
Family therapist Jane Marks tackles the subjects with helpful advice.
1. DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOUR CHILD IS BRIGHT AND AWARE THAT THEY ARE FULLY CLEAR ABOUT THESE ISSUES. They would include male and female reproductive systems, sexual intercourse, pregnancy, abstinence, postponing sex, ways to show affection without having sex, birth control, safe sex, sexual orientation, HIV and STD's, emotional consequences of sex and how alcohol and other drugs can affect decision making. All of these are extremely important issues when having these kinds of conversations with your growing teens.
2. YOUR FIRST TALK WITH YOUR TEEN REGARDING SEX SHOULD NOT BE YOUR LAST TALK. Talk with your teen about sex as an ongoing basis. Let your teen know that you are always open and willing to listen to this and that you are very clear about the fact that this will be one of many discussions.
3. WHEN YOUR CHILD SPEAKS CASUALLY ABOUT THE INFORMATION, USE YOUR LANGUAGE AND YOUR INSTINCTS WHEN ANSWERING THE QUESTION. Be as candid as you can but make sure you are clear about your values.
4. LEAVE AGE APPROPRIATE ARTICLES OR BOOKS ABOUT TEEN SEXUALITY AROUND YOUR HOME. Teens will pick them up or sometimes read them on their own. Do not simply leave it to the internet.
