Teens - both boys and girls - say that parents have the greatest influence on them when it comes to making their own decisions about dating, relationships and sex. A report by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, however, says there's a disconnect between how helpful parents think they're being and how helpful teens feel parents have been. In one survey, 89 percent of adults said that they have had helpful conversations with their teens about sex, love and relationships. Only 71 percent of their teen children agreed.

Experts agree that the key for parents is honesty. When parents are honest in their conversations about sex, teens listen and learn. Here are some more tips:

  • Talk to your child early and often about sexuality. 
  • Share your personal values and your hopes for their future. 
  • Help your child set achievable goals for the future. 
  • Be an ask-able parent. Listen, don't judge, even when your teen shares something you might disagree with. Open dialogue depends on safety and trust.
  • Use proper terminology. 
  • Set and enforce rules that help keep your child safe and healthy. 
  • Get your child involved in a faith community. 
  • Prohibit the use of alcohol and other drugs. 
  • Model healthy behaviors in your own relationships.

  

Wendy L. Sellers, RN (Health4Hire, Inc.), is a parent, Certified Prevention Specialist, and health education consultant.

Source: The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. (2007) "Kiss and Tell: What Teens Say about Love, Trust, and Other Relationship Stuff."