Teen Sexuality.

[fourgrtkidos]

My son and his girlfriend are expressing to me that they are ready for sexual intimacy. I am happy that they came to me for information on how to protect themselves from pregnancy and I gave them info for later if they break-up and have new partners.... to protect themselves from disease, too. I talked alot about emotional consequences of becoming active and how it might affect them if they breakup. Let's face it how many teenagers become life partners? I am wondering how to handle all this. He is my oldest and I have NO RIGHT really to talk with the girlfriend. But SHE WON"T GO TO HER OWN MOTHER>

Advice??

[UnschoolnMa]

I think you've already started approaching it really well! Very cool.

I'd make sure they know about birth control options, and especially about the importance of using condoms properly. (I know, it seems like something of a no brainer... but I've heard some stories lol) I'd also make sure your son (and the girl too, hopefully) knows that he should never feel he has to have sex. I think it's important for teens to know that even after they've had sex with someone that they are not obligated to continue doing so if they do not want to. Also, I'd make sure your son knows that he can always come to you for help no matter what is going on. Though from the sounds of things you and he already have that kind of relationship so that's great news...

We've got a book right now called "Doing It Right" that we've really been enjoying. It's a very down to earth, casual but informative book written just for young people and sexuality. You may want to take a look and see if it's something you and/or the kids would find helpful.