Sometimes raising a teen can be difficult.A changing individual is starting to assert more and more independence.It is more difficult to deal with a teen who is sexually active.You can educate your teen.There are several steps you can take to deal with a sexually active teen.
Step 1: Ask questions.
Effective communication is one of the best ways to deal with a teen.When they become sexually active, this is especially true.The two of you need to have productive conversations.Asking good questions is part of that.You can ask if your teen is sexually active.Have your relationship with Bob progressed?Are you having sex?Don't make your teen think about the subject.Many teens feel embarrassed when asked about sex.Say, "I wanted to talk to you about something important."Do you have time?There are a lot of questions you should ask if you know that your teen is having sex."Are you practicing safe sex?" is one of the most important questions.Do you need anything from me?
Step 2: Don't be afraid to be direct.
It is best to speak directly to your teen about sex.This shows that you are willing to have an honest conversation.It shows your teen that it's important to speak clearly about this topic.I'm aware that you are having sex.I need to know that you use birth control.Let your teen know that you are there to support them."If you need to talk at any time, I am here."Tell the facts and opinions about sex.Make it clear that oral sex is a form of sex.
Step 3: You should keep an open mind.
When talking to your teen about sex, try to put your feelings aside.You have a right to your beliefs, but you also want your teen to know it's safe to talk to you.Make it clear that you are willing to listen.I might not agree with your decisions to become sexually active, but I love you and support you.You should be a good listener.Your words and body language indicate that you are willing to listen to what your teen has to say.Keep eye contact and nod your head.You can say that you are listening, such as, "That's interesting."Let me know more.Don't expect your teen to have the same experience as you have had.It doesn't feel like a realistic option for a teen to wait for marriage.Try to comprehend.
Step 4: An honest relationship should be established.
It's important not to let the sex issue go away after an initial discussion.Keep the lines of communication open.You should check in with your teen frequently to see how they are handling sexual activity.Your conversations don't need to be explicit."How are things going with Bill?" can be asked.Are you having fun?Have an honest relationship with your teen.Make it clear that you will be there to listen and offer advice.It doesn't have to be about your teen's sex life.Don't forget to have other conversations as well.Tell me how your art project is going.You could ask about platonic friends.Have a good time with your teen.Don't allow sex to change your relationship.Continue to do things that you enjoy, such as cooking or watching a game.
Step 5: The conversation should start early.
Don't wait for your teen to have sex before talking about it.When your child is young, start the conversation.The specific age is up to you, but many parents start talking to their children about sex towards the end of elementary school.Explain what sex is.Your child will not be confused by rumors on the playground.You should start talking about sex early on.You will have established a relationship with your teen when he becomes sexually active.Explaining your sexual values to your child is possible.In addition to the physical components, help them understand the emotional implications of sex.
Step 6: Don't forget to educate your teen.
Helping your teen be responsible about sex is one of the most important things you can do.You still want to make sure your teen is safe even if you don't agree with their choice to have sex.Help is provided by providing information.Hearing you talk can be very useful.You can talk to your teen about the importance of being with a partner who respects you.Science can be used to educate your teen.Information about sexually transmitted diseases can be provided.Intercourse isn't the only form of sex.Make sure your teen knows that STDs can be contracted from oral sex.There is a lot of information about sex in general and teen sex.Get some helpful brochures by contacting them.
Step 7: Explain consequences.
It is important to convey the seriousness of having a sexual relationship to your teen.There may be physical consequences.Sex can cause a baby to be born accidentally.STDs are caused by sex.Ask your child how they will prevent physical consequences.Make sure to address emotional consequences as well.Explain that there is a different level of emotional intimacy between two people who are having sex.It's a good idea to talk to your teen about protecting their feelings.Do they know how to express their feelings?
Step 8: Provide birth control.
Make sure your teen has access to contraceptives.You can be sure that they have a safe method if you provide it.You can still help to make sure that your teen is safe even if you don't agree with their choice to have sex.Give your teen condoms.Anyone who is sexually active should have access to condoms.You don't want your teen to have to rely on someone else.Your teen can protect himself or herself.If you have a daughter, she should go to the doctor to get birth control.A doctor can help you and your teen decide if the pill or a different type of hormone therapy is right for her.
Step 9: Supporting healthy relationships is important.
Your teen should only have sex with someone they trust.What is a healthy relationship?It includes trust, kindness, and respect.If your teen is in a healthy relationship, you will be supportive.You can say that it seems like Mary is making you happy.You can voice your concerns about the relationship."I'm concerned that Tim's behavior is controlling."Does it feel that way to you?You should encourage your teen to only have sex with someone who is in a healthy relationship.
Step 10: Establish boundaries.
You are still in charge of your household, even if you talk about sex with your teen.You are giving another type of resource when you give your teen boundaries.Your teen learns responsibility and respect from boundaries.You should set boundaries that make you feel comfortable.You can make it clear that your teen is not allowed to have sex in your house.You should be free to enforce curfew.The fact that your teen is sexually active doesn't make him or her an adult who can do what they want.Explain to your teen that while they choose to engage in adult behavior, they are still your child and must follow certain rules at home.
Step 11: Discuss your values.
Let your teen know what your family values are.Discuss your feelings for intimacy.Your teen will get an additional frame of reference from this.In this family, we feel that intimacy is very serious.Before you follow through, it is important to think about your actions.How your faith informs your feelings on sex can be explained.Many people don't believe in sex before marriage.Let your teen know that values are important to you.You're willing to listen to his or her values as well.
Step 12: You can find information for yourself.
It can be hard to deal with a sexually active teen.You might be sad.It's possible that you don't know what information to give.That is normal.Take some time to find information that is useful to you and your teen.It's a great place to start if you have a trusted doctor.Discuss STDs, pregnancy, and other issues with your doctor.You can ask the parents how to cope with this change.There are great resources for organizations like Planned Parenthood.If they have materials for helping parents deal with this emotional time, ask.
Step 13: Help your teen find friends.
Your teen should feel like they can trust you.It is helpful to help your teen find other sources of support.It's comforting to have more than one person to turn to.Ask your teen's parent to be involved.Make it clear that your teen would benefit from it.Other family members can be very supportive.Encourage her to talk to your teen if she has a favorite aunt.Offer to take your teen to the doctor.It is useful to speak to someone who is objective.
Step 14: Don't let your emotions get the best of you.
How your teen is handling sex is likely your biggest concern at the moment.It is important to take care of yourself as well.When a teen is having sex, many parents go through a tough time.What you are feeling is normal.Many parents don't feel ready for their kids to be sexually active, and feel a little sad when they do.It's okay to be emotional.It is possible to find a support system for yourself.Talk to your partner.Ask your friend for a shoulder to lean on.Remember to live your life.Your teen's sex life isn't the center of your world.
Step 15: Ask for advice from a professional.
You can get professional help if you or your teen is having a hard time.One or both of you might want to talk to a counselor.Whenever you are dealing with emotional changes, this can be helpful.Other sources can give you professional advice.Talk to a school nurse or guidance counselor.You and your teen can use online resources to deal with changes.