Sex & Dating

Should I let my child learn about sex at school?
As a parent, your child loves you and wants you to communicate with them. Although your child will learn basic facts from a school health class, it is important to make sure your child has enough correct information to make smart decisions. Since you love your child, you want them to grow up healthy and knowledgeable. You are the primary educator for your child, and this is a life-long process that begins at birth. Because your children will be exposed to sexuality information from many places outside of your home, you need to make sure that you have provided your child with knowledge that is correct. Children whose parents have talked to them about sexuality are less likely to engage in early sexual activity and have lower pregnancy risks. Many parents may use examples from TV shows or may use books to help them talk about sex. If you have questions about what your child is learning in school you can contact your child's school and discuss their curriculum.

How can I help my teen make positive choices about sex?
Openly communicating with your child is recommended as a way to provide accurate information about sex, puberty, and reproduction. It is also a way to discuss family beliefs and value systems. Although abstinence is the best way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases it is important to discuss other options with your child as well. Kids today are exposed to sex everywhere they go so they may not always be abstinent. This is something as a parent you need to be prepared for. Be open-minded when talking to your child. If they have a question you do not know the answer to, find out for them. It is important to listen to your child and find out what they may already know. Be sure you have accurate information when talking to your teen about contraception and birth control methods. Although it may be uncomfortable and your child may not want to listen, they will listen. Your local health department will have information for both you and your child if you need it.

How old should my child be before they start dating?
This is a personal choice that a parent needs to make based on their values and the individual child. Since everyone develops differently some may be mature enough to handle dating at a younger age than others. Most children become curious about dating in Middle School. They may start going to dances, the skating rink, or boy/girl parties. It is important for adults to talk to teens before they start dating to make sure the child understands what the parent expects of them. Around the age of 12 kids may start going on group dates. This is when a group of both boys and girls may all go out together. This type of dating is safer for the teens and also takes away some of the pressure that may come out of a one-on-one date. Many parents are more comfortable with group dates because it breaks both them and the child in slowly. Parents are needed for transportation so it also gives adults a chance to meet peers their child may be hanging out with.

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