The topic of safe sex and birth control can be particularly challenging for parents. However, the reality is a startling amount of teens are sexually active or are considering becoming sexually active.
Teens aren’t capable of always making informed decisions and one poorly made choice can change their lives forever. You might not want to encourage your child to have sex but ignoring the issue does not make it go away.
Instead, sit your child down and have an open, non judgemental conversation. Explain that you think she is too young and she would be better waiting until she is older but explain that you would prefer she came to you if it is something she is thinking about.
Firstly, let your child know that it’s perfectly normal to have questions about sex and that it’s always okay to come to you with questions or if they need advice.
Speak to your child about how to cope with any pressure she may be feeling to have sex from her peers. Help her learn how to say no without being ridiculed.
If you feel that your daughter may be considering having sex or may already be having sex, regardless of your opinions, the best thing to do is book an appointment with her GP regarding birth control and ensure that she knows how to protect herself from both sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. The same goes for teen boys, it's vital that they know the importance of always using a condom, never taking any chances and of the dangers of sexually transmitted disease. It's important to stress to your teenager the importance of waiting until he or she is older as even if you don't know it, they do listen to you.
