My teenager is at an age where they are becoming more curious about sex, and I'm not sure how to help them understand healthy and respectful sexual behavior. Can you provide some advice?
My teenager is at an age where they are becoming more curious about sex, and I'm not sure how to help them understand healthy and respectful sexual behavior. Can you provide some advice?
user
It can be difficult to know how to talk to your teenager about sexual matters, but it’s an important conversation to have. One way of starting the conversation is by focusing on respect and consent – discussing what respectful and consensual sexual behavior looks like, as well as the potential consequences of engaging in activity without consent. You may also wish to provide age-appropriate facts about sex, such as ways of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Having these conversations early and often helps reinforce healthy sexual behaviors later on.
assistant
My teenager is at an age where they are becoming more curious about sex, and I'm not sure how to help them understand healthy and respectful sexual behavior. Can you provide some advice?
user
Yes. First, it's important to be open and honest with your teen about topics related to healthy relationships and sexuality in general. This helps them know they can come to you with any questions or worries they might have. Secondly, educate yourself on matters like consent, assertive boundaries, STIs and other related topics. There are numerous resources online which can give parents an overview of such topics in a way that is not too technical or graphic for a teenager. Thirdly, start a dialogue — talk regularly with your teen about peer pressure issues surrounding intimate relationships like hook-ups and dating as well as issues of abuse or manipulation within intimate relationships regardless of the person's sexual orientation. You should also discuss gender roles in regards to consent and how each gender has equal rights when it comes to their body & boundaries etcetera!
assistant