Educating the Excited Teens

Was it from your high school seniors? Subtle clues from the biology class? Or was it an accidental encounter when you learnt about the science behind the intimate relationships between a man and a woman?

Goes without saying, it is one of the most exciting, and mysterious things in a teen’s life. With puberty hitting, and increasing attractiveness towards the other gender, teenagers do get inquisitive about the sex phenomenon. And like every parent, you might get worried about the uncontrolled sexual thoughts and behaviour. 

What you need to be careful about is to make sure that they get the right kind of sex education, from the right source! Avoiding awkward conversations with a growing child isn’t advisable in a world where every bit of information is out there on the internet. Chances are that your children will know a lot of things about it even before you start. However, here are a few tips on how you can go about this.

• The right age

Everything has a right time. These seemingly awkward conversations have to start at the right age. When it comes to women, they start experiencing changes in their bodies a little earlier than boys. It is important to educate them around the changes, hormonal cycles, menstruation, and how to manage it. Not all conversations need to be one on one. Some of them might even be about recommending them articles or documentaries that address these issues.

• Health matters

Educate them about their sexual health, not only about their fantasies. Let them be transparent with their bodies, the changes it undergoes, and what should they be wary of while indulging in any sexual activity. While a lot of parents would warn their children to stay away from the opposite gender, chances are they will not. And if they do it, let it be in a safe manner.

• Be a friend, not just a parent.

Don’t instruct them, try to have a friendly discussion. Maybe start with a few soft adult jokes, or conversations about a movie that involves inside the bedroom acts. They need to feel free while discussing these matters. 

• The right cultural upbringing

While growing up, they will be exposed to several things. While you can’t control them, you can surely manage their upbringing in a way that they are aware of right and wrong. The family values you instil, will give them a clear conscience about what and what not to consume on the internet.

• Respect soars

Although they will get attracted towards ‘that’ girl in their class, and chances are she would like it as well. While this is an age where most of the children will start having sexual desire. At this age, you must teach them about respecting every gender, and acceptance towards people from different sexual orientation 

Apart from this, regular conversations about adulting must happen between you and them to make sure that their sex education is complete.