Most parents are uncomfortable talking about issues related to sexuality, especially with their children. But parents would do well to remember what it was like when they were young and curious. Young people talk about sex and have questions about it. Are parents able to help their children get appropriate answers?
Parents need to move beyond any fear that talking about sex with their children encourages early sexual activity. And, they need to acknowledge that ignoring the topic will not help their children either. Parents need three key things to assume this vital role of talking to their children about sexuality. They need factual information. They need to overcome their own discomfort in discussing sexuality. And they need to clarify their own values about sex so they can share them with their children. YouthNet is one of many programs working to help parents achieve these goals.
Click on the resources below to learn more.
Involving Parents in Reproductive Health Education for Youth (Pathfinder International, 1998) summarizes a FOCUS on Young Adults paper by Peter Purdy and Clare Ramsey of the Margaret Sanger Center International of Planned Parenthood of New York on key elements in programs that improve adults' skills for educating and communicating with youth, especially about sexuality and reproductive health.
Parents' Sex Ed Center (Advocates for Youth)
This Web page provides a variety of information to parents and young people about how to communicate about sexual health, the stages of development, and numerous resources. It is dedicated to providing accurate and scientific information related to these subjects and links to a monthly column, written by experts, answering tough and realistic questions that parents, grandparents and young people are faced with in today's world.
Families, Communities Band Together to Ensure Sustainable Future for Young People (UWESO, 2000) describes the efforts by Uganda Women's Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) to provide education for orphans on such topics as HIV/AIDS control and prevention, primary health care, water and sanitation, sexuality, and growing up.
