  3241 Electric Rd
  Roanoke, VA 24018
  Phone: 540- 772-4341

Five Tips on Talking About Sex to Preteens and Young Teens

Make sure your teen knows the basics.

If you haven’t already explained to your teen where babies come from, now is the time, as they most likely have heard it from their peers. You may need to see what information they have and then, give them the truth. Young teens are notorious for misinformation on sex.

Talk about body image and other issues.

During adolescence, both boys and girls are concerned with the way their bodies are starting to change. They will have concerns about what is and what isn’t normal. Let them know that they are very normal and that everyone is going through this time in their lives has the same valid concerns. Share some of the concerns you had when you were their age.

Discuss the consequences of sexual behavior.

Young teens are learning about Newton’s third law in science class at school: Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. It is not too far a stretch to relate this to their lives in other ways. Some consequences can be wonderful when they happen at the ‘right’ age. Pregnancy is great when your child is all grown up and married. It makes life very hard though, if your child should get pregnant at a young age. Share these feelings with your teen.

Give your teen every possible perspective.

It is beneficial to your teen if you are able to get sexual information and perspective from both a woman’s and a man’s point of view. Moms can shed some light on what girls are all about to their son and Dads can impart an observation or two about boys to their daughter. If you feel uncomfortable that’s okay. Most likely so does your teen. Try to keep conversations light and with some humor.

Tell your preteen that your door is always open.

Most importantly, encourage your preteen to talk to you often about any questions they may have about sex. Remember that you are their person of choice when it comes to valuable life information. Your preteen does realize that they are facing choices and they will come to you with questions. Let them know you will be there for them.

For more information, please visit www.parentingteens.about.com or for additional resources please contact Brooks Michael at sbmichael@carilionclinic.org.