Do you remember having THE talk with your parents?

These days THE talk just isn't going to cut it. As a parent, your job is to have an on-going conversation with your children about sex, sexuality and sexual decision-making. From a very early age kids are invited into a sex-saturated culture. Your job is to help them understand what they are being exposed to through a healthy lense. Studies show that 80% of teens say that their parents are the most influential people in their life. Use your influence well! Teach your kids abot God's plan for sex, so that they can chose sexual integrity and help us "reinvent the sexual revolution"! Below you will find a few tips to get started, and it is never too late to start! Be sure to look at our resources page for age-appropriate resources for your children and for you!

10 Things Parents Should Know

Developed by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

1. Show us why sex before marriage and teen pregnancy are such bad
   ideas. For instance, let us hear directly from teen mothers and fathers
   about how hard it has been for them. Even though most of us don't want
   to get pregnant, sometimes we need real-life examples to help motivate
   us.
2. Talk to us honestly about love, sex, and relationships. Just
   because we're young doesn't mean that we can't fall in love or be
   deeply interested in sex. These feelings are very real and powerful to
   us. Help us to handle the feelings in a safe way ­ without getting hurt
   or hurting others.
3. Telling us not to have sex is not enough. Explain why you feel that
   way, and ask us what we think. Tell us how you felt as a teen. Listen
   to us and take our opinions seriously. And no lectures, please.
4. We need real answers on how to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Talk to us about the importance of abstinence.
5. If we ask you about sex, don't assume we are already having sex. We
   may just be curious, or we may just want to talk with someone we
   trust. And don't think giving us information about sex will encourage
   us to have sex.
6. Reward us for making the right decisions. This will make us want to keep doing the right things.
7. Sometimes, all it takes not to have sex is not to have the
   opportunity. If you can't be home with us after school, make sure we
   have something to do that we really like, where there are other kids
   and some adults who are comfortable with kids our age. Don't leave us
   alone so much.
8. We really care what you think, even if we don't always act like it.
   When we don't end up doing exactly what you tell us to, don't think
   you've failed to reach us.
9. Show us what good, responsible relationships look like. We're as
   influenced by what you do as by what you say. If you demonstrate
   sharing, communication, and responsibility in your own relationships,
   we will be more likely to follow your example.
10. We hate "The Talk" as much as you do. Instead, start talking with
    us about sex and responsibility when we're young, and keep the
    conversation going as we grow older.

5 Practical Hints for Parents

5 Helpful Hints to Monitor Your Child's Behavior

1. Supervise your students. Set rules, curfews, and
   clearly explain what behavior you expect of your child. Keep family
   discussion open and communicate respectfully. What activities does your
   child participate in while you are at work? Who is supervising your
   child after school? Where do they hang out with their friends? Remember
   that supervising your kids and knowing their whereabouts makes you a
   good parent, not a nag.
2. Know your student's friends and their families.
   People of al ages are strongly influenced by their friends. Get to know
   the parents of your student's friends because you can have a say in
   who your child spends time with. Help them meet children of your own
   friends, who share the same values and beliefs on sex, love, and
   marriage. Ask to meet parents of teens early so you may set common
   rules and expectations. Try to set common curfews. Welcome your
   student's friends into your home and talk to them openly.
3. Discourage early, frequent, and steady dating.
   Encourage group activities for your kids that are fun and exciting.
   Allowing one on one dating for your young teen is only asking for
   trouble. Make this rule clear when your teen is a child so they do not
   think you just don't like the particular person they are proposing to
   spend alone time with.
4. Give your teenagers options for the future that are more attractive than becoming sexually active at a young age.
   The chances that your child will delay sex, pregnancy, and parenthood
   are strongly reduced if their future appears bright. Help them set real
   goals for the future, talk to them about what it takes to make those
   plans come true, and help them reach their goals. Teach them to be
   constructive with their free time. Encourage them to complete their
   homework. Show them how much their future could be diminished by
   becoming sexually involved before marriage.
5. Above all else, build a strong and close relationship with your student at an early age.
   Show them and tell them you love them - clearly and often. Hug your
   children and praise their accomplishments. Spend quality time with your
   children doing things that they like, not just things that fit in your
   schedule. This will establish a trust which forms the basis for future
   communication with them about specific topics, including sexual
   behavior