• Don’t avoid the topic. Providing straight talk about sex, your expectations and family values keeps your teen safer.  
• Teach respect. Explain to sons that girls should not be viewed as sex objects. Tell daughters sexiness isn’t the foundation for their identities.
• Everyone isn’t doing it. Let teens know they should not feel pressured into sexual activity — no matter what friends say.
• Discuss intimacy. Talk about how to be close without sex. Discuss responsibility in relationships.
• Talk about what can happen. Talk about how pregnancy could affect your teen’s life, and the risks of sexually transmitted diseases.
• Seek help. If your teen is sexually active, make sure they see a health professional for birth control and get tested for STDs.

To Learn More...

• About: Teens, www.parentingteens.about.com
• Love is Not Abuse, www.loveisnotabuse.com
• Talking With Kids, www.talkingwithkids.org
• “Safe, Strong, and Streetwise”, Helen Benedict
• “Coping with Date Rape and Acquaintance Rape”, Andrea Parrot
• “The Talk: What Your Kids Need to Hear from You About Sex” Sharon Maxwell

For More Direct Help...

• The Family Conservancy, 913-342-1110
• Birthright, 816-444-7090