How to Deal with Your Sexually Active Teen
Before you get them fitted for a chastity belt, try these communication tips.
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You Will Need
- Composure
- Timing
- Facts about teen sex
- Willingness to listen
- Condoms
- Better supervision
Steps
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Step 1
Get control of your emotions before you talk to your child. You may be upset, but anger is not going to help the situation.
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Step 2
Find a time and place to talk to your teen that's free of distractions.
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Step 3
Let them have their say, and try not to pass judgment. You want to open the lines of communication, not shut them down.
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Research has linked teen sex to low self-worth, so work on building your child's self-esteem.
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Step 4
Make sure they know about the potential consequences: a high number of teenagers already have a sexually transmitted disease; two-thirds of teens regret losing their virginity so early; and sex can result in lifelong consequences like pregnancy, infections, and viruses, and even sterility if certain STDs are not treated in time.
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Step 5
Tell them how to practice safe sex and prevent pregnancy, and give them condoms. If your teen is a girl, consider getting her vaccinated against the HPV virus. The vaccine may be available to boys soon, too.
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Make sure your child knows that they can get an STD from oral sex. Surveys show many kids don't.
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Step 6
If you are against their having sex, let them know it. But reassure them that they can always come to you for anything.
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Fifty-six percent of teens surveyed had their first sexual experience at their own home or that of their partner.
