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Awkward Sex Talks With Teens Pay Off

Study shows teens listen during uncomfortable conversations

By Sarah Whitmire,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 23, 2011 9:46 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Talking about the birds and bees is one of the most awkward conversations a parent can have with their kid, but a recent study says those talks are likely to make an impression. It found that 45% of teenagers admitted they listened to their parents' advice about sex—compared with only 32% who said they trusted a friend, Time reports. An even smaller chunk, 15%, looked to celebrities for guidance. But many moms wrongly think they aren't sexual role models: 78% assumed their kids relied on the advice of friends.

“They talk to their teens and the teens turn them away, so they think there's no use,” says the study’s lead author. Better still, teens who accept their parent’s advice also are inclined to listen to it. Some 17% of boys and 22% of girls who said their parents were their sexual role models were sexually active, compared to 40% of boys and 39% of girls who didn't look to mom and dad for guidance.

Pay no attention to their rolling eyes, your teen is likely to heed your advice.
Pay no attention to their rolling eyes, your teen is likely to heed your advice.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
riffran
Jul 23, 2011 9:53 PM CDT
We started having the "talk" as soon as my daughter was old enough to ask questions...She started asking around two (jeeeez)  We gave her honest answers that were within the limits of her general knowledge at the time....As she got older the answers became more detailed.  The worst thing about sex edu is wrong information.  We always tell her, "if you want the truth...come to us.  No consequences, no lies, no judgment"  She only goes to "mom" though...too embarrassed to talk THAT talk with stinky ole daddy..:)  Thank god I married a very level headed and practical woman...she tells her straight...than tells me later.
Cat-Lover
Jul 23, 2011 5:50 PM CDT
Everything went to pot, literally and figuratively, after "Ozzie and Harriet" went off the air.
1942
Jul 23, 2011 2:29 PM CDT
I recall the time when my daughters turned 10 and 11.  I said to my wife, "Honey, don't you think it's time you tell them about the birds and the bees?"  She immediately jumped back and said, " Oh no, honey you do it!" I said "It's not my place".  She said "I'm not going to do it, you do it"!  I said well okay.  Uncomfortable hell yes. Someone has to take the bull by the horns. I told them exactly what happens in detail, using the best accepted vocabulary.  It was like snake breaking my dog.  Once the puppy gets the jolt around its collar, it will never go near a snake.  Once I explained to my girls, I asked "Do you have any questions?"  "No" they said.  That I know of, they never went near the snake.  When they went out, I never worried.  I'm lucky.  I had the nerve to tell them.  I gave each the biggest wedding within my means.  They each are married with their own kids.  They have been taught what tell their daughters.  Today, when a young girl turns out pregnant, she says to her parents "You didn't tell me, it's your fault, I'm going to have fun now and you are going to raise your grandchild!

 
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