How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex

I agree with the first post about birth control. Alot of people think if you talk to your kids about birth control, you are "giving them permission" to go have sex. I disagree. They need to be eduacated about birth control as strongly as abstinance--bc ultimatley it's their decision and we just have to hope we have taught them well. You know your kids more than anyone else does, and so it's hard for someone else to tell you the tactic you should use to bring up the conversation. GOod Luck!

I know what worked with me...was my mom talked to me about it. She told me she expected me to not have sex and we talked about the reasons why to wait. Pregnancy, STDs, guys breaking up with you right afterwards and it affecting your sense of self-worth, your reputation, but the biggies for me were health reasons...HIV and incurable STDS were the two that struck a nerve with me. Plus it was a great way as I went through high school and college to weed out guys who were interested in me vs. those who just wanted a quick jump in the sack. I was up front with my dates that I didn't believe in sex with out a commitment (that was more than three dates to me) and the ones that stuck around were worth keeping those that didn't...better off without them. My DH of 11 years was worth waiting for he really liked the idea of me waiting until I was ready, turned out it was with him. I think kids are a lot smarter than we give them credit for...explain the risks and talk about it...not just once during "a talk" but in the car driving to school/lessons, while making dinner, after watching a movie (a romantic one/chick flick or one where there is a dating theme). I knew I could talk to my mom. And that made all the difference. (oh, and I was never without a date...went to prom, etc etc, so just because you are not having sex it doesn't make you "weird"). Hugs and good luck...my kids are only 3 and 9 months...so my years are still to come. :-)

I work with pregnant highschool girls - so whatever method you choose, I STRONGLY recommend you include birth control in that discussion.

I strongly believe you should arm your children with knowledge as well as options. Even if you have to give your own experiences. My mother thought she would talk to me about sex but as soon as she refused to share her own experiences, she lost my attention quickly.

I would rather my children learn that it is best to wait, but be armed with contraceptives just in case to be safe. If anything you are getting them ready for later on when they do become active.

Good luck!

This is a hard one because I believe in abstinence.
I'm hopeful that when the time comes I will have helped my child/children see the benefits of waiting.
I believe in open, honest discussions... but I am not sure about the birth control thing. I don't know. It's a hard one.