7 Myths About The Sex Talk With Your Teen
Myth #1: Talking to your teen about sex leads to early sexual activity.
Truth: Actually, talking to your teen about sex decreases the chances of early sexual debut (when they start having sex). Talk and talk a lot. You will demystify sex so that it does not become a point of rebellion.
Myth #2: My teen will want to have sex if I put her on birth control to help regulate her period and stop cramps.
Truth: Teen girls just want to have light or no periods. The flexibility to change the timing of their period is priceless. Sex is the last thing on their mind especially because they know it is the first thing on yours. When your teen hears all of their girlfriends discuss the advantages of the pill: decreased cramps, lighter or no period, improved acne, decreased chance of uterine and ovarian cancer, etc. They really want you to put them on the pill for these reasons.
Myth #3: I should wait until my teen brings up the topic of sex with me.
Truth: Early initiation by bringing up the topic by using something you saw on television or heard in a song are great ways to let your teen know, I am here for you. You are also letting them know that you are not afraid of the topic or their questions about the topic. Please note even if you are afraid fake it. You want to be the peson they come to. If you really can’t fake it let someone you trust do it like their relative, your good friend or doctor.
Myth #4: If I help my teen by buying condoms or taking them to get birth control, I am condoning their sexual activity.
Truth: Teens that have their parents helping them out are less likely to get pregnant or initiate sex early. They are also better prepared for relationship concerns because they can come to you with their problems rather than hide them. Read 3 Reasns To Let Your Teen Date Under Your Supervision. Besides your teen knows you don’t want them having sex. Ask them. Go ahead, ask them. Go on.
Myth #5: If my teen tells me, “I know everything already because they discussed it in health class,” I am off the hook.
Truth: If your teen says,”I know already!” They are under no obligation to listen, but they must talk. Ask questions and have your teen answer them so you know what they really know. You can find the gaps in their knowledge this way and figure out whether you or someone else can help fill in the gaps in their knowledge.
Myth #6: Having the sex talk is a one time thing that you just have to get through then it is easy sailing.
Truth: “The Sex Talk” is an ongoing conversation that may never end. Depending on how well your teen feels with you they may come to you for advice and discussion for a long time.
Myth #7: If I use scare tactics my teen will not want to have sex until I want grandchildren
Truth: This is important, scare tactics do not work. The teen brain is not wired to run from a challenge they are wired to run to a challenge. So just answer the questions. You don’t have to tell them how awful genital warts can look all over their genitals. Just help them develop the decision making skills to say, No” when they should. Read my post here about How To Help Your Teen Make A Decision.
The sex talk is an ongoing thing and no, you do not have to spill everything
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