If you had to list the top five conversations you wanted to have with your teenager, sex would probably not make the list.  For many parents the topic of sex is an uncomfortable one to bring up with their teenager.  Even though this subject might be an uncomfortable one for you it is an important one and one that must be discussed with your teen.  You want to be the source of information for your child – not television or his buddies.  Your teen probably knows more about sex than you are willing to admit.  Admit to yourself that this is uncomfortable and get over it.

Your teen is approaching adulthood, so the “birds and bees” conversation you might have had previously won’t work now.  You need to provide information to your child as well as bringing up areas such as feelings and consequences of sexual activity.  You don’t have to provide graphic details or information to your child, but you can’t be vague either.

Your teen needs to know accurate information about pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as guidance and advice in areas such as love versus lust, personal reputations, and the like.  It’s important to clear up any false beliefs or misconceptions your teen might have when it comes to sex.

Talk with your teen about the emotional side of sex.  Teens might think that they are in love, or that they are the last virgin left in their class.  Assure your teen that it’s ok to feel these things, but that once you have sex there is no going back.  The ramifications of sex can be serious and your teen must understand what he/she is getting into when they have sex.