Parents, you have an important role to play in preventing teen pregnancy. Be the main source of information for your kids. Make sure they understand your family values and that you are comfortable with discussing sexual issues with them.
Studies show that parent-child connections does play a role in a teen's decision to get involve in sexual activity.Teens that are able to comminicate with their parents about everyday issues makes the transaction of talking about sex easier .When teens are close to their parents, they are more likely to consider family values in sexual decision making.
Here are some tips for starting the conversation from WebMD:
1. Don't lecture your teen, have a conversation. When parents complain "my teenager doesn't want to talk to me," what they're really complaining about is "my teenager doesn't want to listen to me." Conversation involves at least two people, Steinberg emphasizes.
2. Don't attack. "The conversation between any two people will break down if one of the two is put on the defensive and made to feel he's being accused of something," says Steinberg.
Show respect for your teen's opinions. Teenagers can be surprisingly easy to talk with if the parents make it clear that they're listening to the teen's point of view.
3. Keep it short and simple. Maxym urges parents to remember what she calls the "50% rule": "Almost every parent says at least 50% more than he or she should. Shut up. Remember when you were a teen and your parents lectured at you? And you thought, 'Will you please stop; I already got the point!' Stop before your teen gets there."
4. Be yourself. Don't try to talk like your kids or their friends. "You're an adult, so be an adult," Maxym says.
5. Seize the moment. A spontaneous conversation in the car or at home late at night -- any time when you're not rushed -- can make for some of the warmest, most rewarding moments, Steinberg says. "I think for parents, one of the key parts of having good communication with kids is being around enough to capitalize on these moments that invariably don't come up when you expect them to."
Check out the Twenty Questions Game. It is a good way to get the conversation started and to see how much you know about your teen.
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For more information, tips and discussion, visit these websites.
Also, the Diamonds office has an extensive library available filled with brochures and other media materials to help you talk with your teen about sex and sex related issues and other issues surrounding teen health. If you have any questions about the resources or services available, please contact the Diamonds office.
Below is a list of Sumter Co. parent and teen support organizations and agencies.
Adult Education | 803-778-2333 | | Hope Center (Birnie) | 803-436-2645 |
AIDS Task Force | 803-778-0303 | | Hope Center (North) | 803-436-2692 |
Alcohol Helpline | 800-252-6465 | | Hope Center (South) | 803-436-2653 |
Child Abuse | 800-422-4453 | | Light of Hope (Preg Ctr) | 803-773-8858 |
Christian Counselor | 803-773-6392 | | Prevention Center | 803-778-2835 |
Sumter Co. DSS | 803-773-5531 | | Rape | 911 or Sheriff's Dept. |
Sumter Co. DHEC | 803-773-5511 | | STD Hotline | 800-227-8922 |
Early Headstart | 803-775-0539 | | Suicide Helpline | 800-922-2283 |
Family Count | 803-436-2366 | | School District 2 | 803-469-6900 |
Greenhouse Shelter | 803-775-3311 | | School District 17 | 803-469-8536 |