Question

Do you think caregivers should discuss sex with their child prior to the child hearing about it at school? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Answer:

Parents are the single largest influence on their adolescents’(boy or girl) decisions about sex, and parents underestimate the impact they have on their decisions. For most parents and their children, the prospect of talking about topics related to sexuality creates anxiety and apprehension, and this may lead to avoidance of discussions.

Sources of Anxiety for Parents

• Not knowing the answers

• Not knowing the correct language to use/sounding crude

• Being wrong or corrected

• Having different answers than other parent or adult

Sources of Anxiety for Teens

• Not knowing the correct language to use/sounding crude

• Not knowing the right questions to ask

• Being wrong or corrected