Tips for Parents

Get informed. earn the facts and statistics about teenage sexual activity, teenage pregnancy, contraception methods, use and possible side effects and sexually transmitted diseases. Being up to date about these topics and knowing how they are related, for instance, how teenage pregnancy relates to relationships, education and poverty, will help you communicate effectively with your teenager.

Be involved in your child's life. Research shows that parents have considerable influence on their children's decisions about sexual activity and that a close relationship, communication of family values and open dialogue can help prevent teenage pregnancy. Parental involvement can help delay teenage sexual activity and prevent pregnancy.¹⁷ Know your teen's friends and friends' families, as well as whether or not their families share your values. Know your child's teachers and coaches. Keep track of how your child does in school and get involved early if there is a problem. Set high expectations about academic performance and support your child by limiting the number of hours he/she spends in extracurricular activities and/or part-time jobs so that he/she has enough time and energy to complete homework assignments and study for tests. Pay attention to what you and your family are watching, listening to and reading. When media presentations of sexual activity differ from your thoughts on the subject, say so and explain why. Encourage your children to think critically about the programs they watch, music they listen to, magazines they read and websites they visit.

Help your teenagers have more attractive options for the future. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, if your son's or daughter's future appears bright, the chances that they will delay having sex and pregnancy are significantly higher. Help your teenager set their future goals. Make sure they know what it takes to reach their goal, what exams they might have to take, what degree(s), internships or vocational training they may need, etc. Let your children know from an early age that you value education highly.

Talk with your teenager about sex. Keep an open dialogue. It is important to reinforce your family's values, but you also need to be approachable, so that if your teen does have a problem, he/she feels comfortable coming to you. Make sure your teen has the facts and thinks through issues relating to sexual activity, including psychological consequences as well as risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Use concrete examples about how becoming pregnant or causing pregnancy can negatively affect their plans for the future. Encourage your teen to set boundaries, to respect themselves and to allow themselves to say "no". Make sure to also talk to your teenager about dating, love and relationships.

Have a plan. As much as you hope it doesn't happen, it is better to be prepared and to think about what you would do if your teenager comes to you with a pregnancy. Thinking it through in advance can help you respond in a more loving and constructive manner if the situation does arise.

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