Young People: How should parents talk to you about sex?

Let's go straight to the source. We see lots of resources here that tell you how to talk to your kids, but I bet almost all of them are written by adults. I'd like to ask any young people on these boards to tell us what they think makes for a good, effective, and timely conversation about safer sex.

Let's go straight to the source. We see lots of resources here that tell you how to talk to your kids, but I bet almost all of them are written by adults. I'd like to ask any young people on these boards to tell us what they think makes for a good, effective, and timely conversation about safer sex.

I think the biggest with me is respect. Don't laugh at me or think I'm cute when I ask about sex or STDs.

Originally Posted by Heather's Crush

I think the biggest with me is respect. Don't laugh at me or think I'm cute when I ask about sex or STDs.

I'm 18 and never have had any kind of talk with my mom, but we did get sex ed in school. I don't know, it would seem kinda weird to talk about sex with my mom but maybe if she started the talk when I was younger. I mean, maybe it would be good to talk to teens when they're like 13 or 14. At 18 and looking at college soon, I don't know about it now!

One thing I'd suggest is to come armed with the facts, and don't preach. Telling me "don't do it" won't work, but if you make me understand the risks, how to protect myself, and so on, without wagging a finger at me, then you've got a much better chance of reaching me.

Look at the STD info on this site; I did and it gave me lots of quick hit info without a lot of work. Check it out.

Disease FAQ's & Info Pages - Confidential STD Testing &amp Private On-line Results

Talking to my teenager was strange, especially because I'm a single dad to a feisty girl! I was more worried about her getting pregnant, honestly, but hopefully what we talked about will help her avoid STDs. In a weird way, I think she thought it was kind of sweet that I talked to her. Maybe I'll just give her a brochure or something next time!