The role of parents in adolescent sexuality
Parents have a fundamental role in the sexuality of adolescents because they must inform them first-hand.
If you have a teenager, you probably feel that they are maturing by leaps and bounds and the one who was an adorable baby has become a teenager who is looking for his own identity every day. It can be an exciting time, but it is also an apprehensive time, as you worry about the decisions your child will make.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 47% of teens have had sex , and more than 400,000 adolescent girls ages 15 to 19 had babies in 2009. Parents can have a significant impact on behaviors and your teens’ sexual decisions. Parental involvement is key to ensuring smart decisions and safe behavior for your easily influenced teenager.
Index
TALK TO YOUR TEENAGER
All parents know that talking to their teen about sex is unavoidable . However, this conversation should not be a one-time conversation. Parents should establish an open dialogue about sex from childhood.
A one-time talk on the basics of sex is a smart start. From there, it is recommended that parents also talk about the risks of sex and the importance of respecting and enjoying the body in a safe and intelligent way.
OPEN DIALOGUE
Some parents mistakenly believe that talking to their children about sex encourages them to be sexually active. However, this is a myth without any research to back it up. In fact, having an open dialogue about relationships and sex would motivate your child to answer questions and concerns.
Parents who have two-way conversations about sex with questions and answers, makes teens feel comfortable talking to their parents about sensitive issues. Involve teens actively in conversations about sex and relationships.
PARENTAL INFLUENCE
Parents can influence their teens’ behavior , including their sexual behavior , if parents follow smart strategies. You need to establish values and attitudes about sex for yourself and your family.
You have to make sure your teen follows clear rules , including curfews and the age of the people they date. Get to know your child’s friends and their families. Pay attention to the information your child acquires through television, the Internet, and the media.
OBSERVATION
While an open dialogue with your teen about sex is important, you should also observe your child’s behavior and choices to make sure they follow your advice and behave appropriately. Parents looking for signs of risky sexual behavior, including looking for unhealthy relationships, anxiety, and depression. By intervening when you suspect your child might be making poor decisions about sex, you can help guide him or her on a safe path.
Never think that talking about sex with your child is wasting time, because what actually happens is that it is something necessary . Adolescents need the guidance of their parents in all areas of their lives, because in this way they will learn to make the right decisions and not only in the sexual sphere. Don’t let the topic of sex be a taboo topic in the home.
Enhance respect for people in a romantic relationship and make them understand that the sex that appears in adult movies or porn movies has nothing to do with reality. Sex should be focused on pleasure, yes, but also on respect for the person with whom the relationship is shared. Also talking about sexual orientation or masturbation are aspects to take into account as well.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.