It can be very awkward for both parent and child, but there has to be a time when the talk about safe sex should be done. In today’s modern world, sex has become a casual thing not only for adults, but for teens and young adults as well. In fact, in the United States alone, about 60% of high school students and 85% of the mid-20’s population admit to having sexual experiences. This may be the reason why 50% of new HIV cases come from among those in the 15-to-24 year old age brackets.
So as a parent, how do you go about the talk on safe sex and contraception to your kids?
1. Always assume that your child does not know anything about contraception. These things aren’t taught in schools, and any idea they may have might be from unreliable and erroneous sources. It would be best to start with the basics of contraception and the importance of being protected in intimate moments.
2. You can still have this talk even if your kids haven’t engaged in such activities yet. Stress the advantages of abstinence, while making sure you don’t confuse them when you talk about contraceptives. Instill in your children’s minds that if the time comes that they do get into the sexual act with a partner, always use protection to avoid unwanted consequences.
3. Express your hopes and expectations to your kids. Tell them that as much as possible, you would not want them to be sexually active at such young ages. As the wiser adult, teach them to wait for the right time when they are mature enough to appreciate the sexual act.
4. You need to clarify that sexual health is not only about condoms or birth control but that it also means staying healthy as an individual and living a full life. If the temptation proves too powerful to resist for your teens, you can seek the help of health care providers to educate children and introduce them to protective measures that will keep them safe and healthy.