How You Can Communicate More Effectively With Your Teenager

Educate Yourself

How to initiate 'the talk'

There is no reason to assume that your teen will be sexually active. Over half of all teens graduating high school today are VIRGINS.

For those teens who are sexually active, know the physical and emotional consequences they are facing.

• There will be approximately 18.9 million new cases of STDs this year and over 25% of those will be in teens
• Teen girls are more likely to become infected with most STDs, especially chlamydia, HPV and gonorrhea
• Teen boys who engage in sexual activity are 8 times more likely to attempt suicide. Girls are 5 times more likely.
• Condoms do not protect or prevent transmission of STDs, they merely REDUCE the risk of transmission
• HPV is the fastest spreading STD and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV is responsible for 99% of all cases of cervical cancer which causes 4,100 deaths every year

These are just some of the reasons as to why abstinence until marriage and faithfulness within marriage is the healthiest choice for anyone to make - especially your teen.

How well do you communicate with your child?

Know your position on sex and be consistent
Deliver a clear message to your teen
Take advantage of "teachable moments"
Integrate your values into discussions
Participate in your teen's school sexuality education
Know what your child is learning in class and discuss it  with them at home.