As your child reaches their teens, you will have more concerning issues about their welfare. While you probably already taught them about how babies are made when they were younger, now is a good time to go further and talk to them about preventing teen pregnancy. Here are some tips on what you should say to them.
Have and Encourage Open Communication
First and foremost, having open communication with your teen is always beneficial when you want to discuss any matter with them. Let them know that they can come to you to talk about anything. This can make them more likely to want to discuss sex with you and will also put them at ease when you talk to them about it and about how to prevent teen pregnancy.
If you’re a single parent of a child of the opposite sex from your own, it might seem awkward to have sex-related discussions. However, being open with your child from the time they’re young can help make these conversations easier. Remember that you are the parent and they want and need your guidance.
Discuss Contraception Options
Abstinence is the best way to prevent teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Communicating that abstinence is the only option, however, can have adverse effects. Have conversations with your teen about healthy boundaries they can set with others in regard to sex and the pressure to have sex, and talk to them about birth control methods and other contraception.
Teach Them To Be Safe
No matter what, you can help your child to avoid teen pregnancy by instilling in them to always be safe. If your teen is going to have sex regardless, you can take them to the doctor to get a checkup and discuss options for birth control and contraception.
You may want to talk to your teen about starting a form of birth control. Talk to your teen about using additional protection, such as condoms, to prevent STIs. Make sure that your teen either has additional protection or knows where and how to get them.
If your teen needs to speak with a doctor about safe sex practices, you can schedule a telemedicine appointment with our clinic.
Do you have more questions about your tween or teen’s health in Salem Oregon? Contact our staff at WFMC Health or become a new patient today!
