Announcement
Let's Talk About It Month
October 22, 2007

October’s Let's Talk Month is an opportunity for community agencies, religious institutions, businesses, schools, media, parent groups and health providers to encourage parent/child communication about sexuality.

With the increasing rates of pregnancy, HIV and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) among adolescents, now is the best time to have discussions about sex with your children. 

Studies show that adolescents whose parents talk with them about sex are more likely to delay their first sexual relationship and have fewer risky behaviors. Unfortunately, many parents don’t know where to begin. 

Why parents are so important:

• Parents are the best sexuality educators for their children.
• Parents want to be good sex educators, but may not always know how to do it.
• Children want education about sexuality from their parents or legal guardians.
• If you are an "askable" parent, you can be a wise counselor with the right facts. This can reduce getting wrong information from friends.

Getting Started: Communication Tips

Door Openers

• "What do you think?"
• "That's a good question."
• "I don't know, but I'll find out."
• "I'm trying to understand what you're feeling."
• "Do you know that word means?"
• "I'm glad you told me about that."

Door Slammers

• "You're too young."
• "Where did you hear that?"
• "If you say that word again, I'll ?"
• "That's none of your business."
• "I don't care what your friends are doing."
• "That's just for boys (girls)."
• "We'll talk about that when you need to know.

Source: http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/news/events/letstalk.htm

Link to resources to assist parents of teens at: