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Development Topics
Talking About Sex and Sexuality to Your Adolescent
Parents may cringe at the thought, but there's no denying that adolescence is a time of sexual awakening. Young people's bodies — and accordingly, their thoughts and emotions — begin to change.
Sexual curiosity is high, particularly for boys. Girls — especially those with low self esteem — may fall prey to the almost inevitable, sudden increase in male attention.
Parents should talk to their children about sexual behavior before this point, as young people who develop healthy self-esteem early in life are typically better able to navigate the rough waters of adolescence.
So don't panic or shy away from your developing teen. They need you to get a grip on your own fears and discomfort so you can focus on helping them anticipate and learn how to address what's around the corner in their life . . . emotionally, physically, spiritually and relationally.
Adapted from the booklet, Talking About Sex and Sexuality to Your Adolescent, Copyright © 2000 Focus on Your Family, an excerpt from The Complete Book of Baby & Child Care Copyright © 1997 Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. International Copyright Secured. Used by permission.
Last updated: May 2005
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