Roots
The foundation parents give children is invaluable. Your investment in them is the most important
input of all.
- Communicate your values from your family’s traditions, faith, and from common sense. Frame the discussion of marriage as the healthiest context for sex.
- Model as much as possible respectful, loving relationships at home.
- Be involved in their world. Watch movies, listen to music together. Talk about it. Ask, “What do your friends think about that?”
- Be the source of your teen’s information. When speaking of reproduction, use correct terms. If you don’t know an answer, promise to find it (and don’t delay too much). If you’re not part of the mix your teens rely on, they will lean on their own instincts and urges and try to figure it out for themselves, or rely on sources that are not helpful.
- Provide physical affection that is healthy and natural. Teens need loving touch from us.