|
On communicating about sex…
“Be involved. Know what your children are watching on TV and at the movies. Know what they are reading. Also work on building up your child’s self-esteem from the day they are born. Talk, talk, talk…knowledge is power not temptation. [Children] need to hear about sex from their parents.”
— Beth, 39, Trimont
“Be open to discussions about sexuality. If you’re not able to discuss the topic with them, try to find a trusted resource for them. Make sure the kids are aware of the fact that you feel it is important to abstain from sexual activity and why.”
— Therese, 42, Grand Rapids
“Don’t shy away from the task simply because you and/or your child are uncomfortable with it. Just start and remember, it is an ongoing message, not a one-time talk.”
— Bill, 50, St. Cloud
“Become your child’s friend before leaping into the sex talk — direct quote from my daughter. Talk about everything incorporating values you want them to have into all topics. Listen, listen, listen!! Don’t criticize. Put yourself into their shoes. Think about how they feel instead of how you feel. Don’t interrupt. Be available. Take your time and be patient. It’s an ongoing dialogue.”
— Sara, 51, Duluth
“Listen. Be honest with them. They are not idiots. If they are old enough to think about sex, they are old enough to talk like an adult about it. If they don’t hear about it from us and our views, think about how and who they hear about if from.”
— Dawn, 35, Wadena
Tips from Teens on Communication…
“Talk to your kids and keep talking even if they don’t want to talk.”
— Laura, 13, St. Cloud
“If they don’t talk, keep talking. You will get through to them.”
— Samantha, 14, Ogilvie
“Don’t beat around the bush. Just say what you’re trying to say.”
— Alex, 14, Duluth
“You should listen to their questions and stuff and then talk to them about not having sex and don’t yell or demand anything.”
— Kreig, 13, Alexandria
“Pick a time when your teens want to listen. Not at the dinner table when they’ll be like, ‘Uh! Mom/Dad — stop it!’ Like if you ask them to sit with you on the couch or something and just talk.”
— Becky, 14, Grand Rapids
“Be direct.”
— Jesse, 13, Duluth
“Just do it. They will listen.”
— Zeke, 12, Minneapolis
“A lot of kids I know have never been talked to on the subject of waiting to have sex by their parents. Your kids will listen, they may not show it, but they’ll listen.”
— Maria, 15, Pequot Lakes
|
