Do words such as SEX, PREGNANCY, HIV/STDs and SEXUAL ORIENTATION cause you to cringe when you think about how you will explain these terms to your children? 

Talking to children about issues of sexuality can be a difficult experience for many parents.  However, parents can play a key role in promoting healthy sexual development and reducing risky sexual behaviors.  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. 

These links below can help parents in talking to their children about lowering their risk of getting HIV or other STDs and having other unwanted results related to having sex.

How Do Parents and Children Talk About HIV?

Parent's Sex Ed Center

Talking With Kids About HIV and AIDS

Resources For Parents

Annotated Bibliography: HIV/AIDS Prevention Resources

Interested in specific interventions that can help prevent your child from contracting HIV or other STDs?  Check out these links:

HIV / AIDS Among Youth

The Program Archive on Sexuality, Health & Adolescence (PASHA)

Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Programs Archive

Science & Success - Programs That Work to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, HIV & Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United States and Developing Countries