Many parents take for granted that talking to your teenager about sex is giving them permission to go ahead and explore unknown territory. This is so far from the truth. You child needs to learn about sex before entering puberty and there are no better people in the world than their own parent to teach them that. There is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about. Learning about why and how to say no is also helpful during the introduction. Make sure that you talk about the biological, emotional as well as the spiritual aspects when you are on the topic.

Firstly as a parent you need to analyze what is the right time to talk to you teen about sex. Be calm and prepare yourself. Keeping literature to explain the biological aspects will help in the understanding especially of the opposite sex. You do not need to sit the child down and have the talk; it can be bought up in general conversation. Talk about the images of sexual content we see in the media; newspapers, television ads are all sexual in their approach. If you must have a sit down chat then plan a parent child outing and start the discussion in the car while driving to your destination.

Never introduce the fear of sex in your child. Talk about contraception, abortion and relationships as well. Your teenager is old enough and mature enough to handle the truth. If you are not comfortable talking to your teen on the topic take him to a guidance counselor or an adult in the family can take up the responsibility.

If you are talking to your girl child start of by telling her about menstrual periods and the changes that she will witness in her body. Equip her with a box of sanitary pads so that she doesn’t get embarrassed the first time it happens and you are not with her. For boys you should start by telling them about the naturalness of erections and nocturnal dreams that lead to wet dreams.

Be cautious and open to questions that your child may have. Never laugh at them no matter how funny it may be. Chances are that your child is already getting information from other sources and you can clear any misunderstandings.