We want to make it easy for parents to find answers to their students’ questions. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released an updated information page responding to common questions about HPV. If you or your daughter have been wondering about this disease (and its new vaccine) you can find the answers to most of your questions at the CDC website.
Great Expectations
Recently I had a conversation with a parent about how he should discuss sex with his teenage son. His dilemma is one that I’ve heard from many parents just like him. To begin, I asked “What do you want for your son as far as sex is concerned?” His response, like so many other parents, was “Well, I’d like for him to wait for sex until marriage but I know that’s unrealistic.” When asked why he thought that was unrealistic he replied “Well, everybody’s doing it these days. And besides, I can’t expect him to wait…I didn’t.” Continue reading Great Expectations
New statistics reveal teens listen
Did you know that when we talk to our teens about sex and relationships, they are listening to us? A new report released by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy reveals the following statistics:
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Most teens (64%) say they share their parents values about sex. That means that despite the teenage penchant for rebellion, most teens are learning from you and adopting your beliefs. The standards that you set will make a difference. Continue reading New statistics reveal teens listen
Why Marriage?
Recently I was talking to a group of about 15 teenagers ranging from ages 13-17 about marriage. I asked them what they thought of marriage and if they wanted to get married someday. What I found was very interesting, to say the least.
One young man, whom we’ll refer to as “J” said “Yes, I want to get married.” When asked “Why?” he replied, “Because I see how happy my mom and dad are and I want that for myself.” I thought to myself, “Wow, that’s awesome. These are the types of statements that I wish parents could hear.” Continue reading Why Marriage?
What They Don’t Know Will Hurt Them!
As an Abstinence Educator who speaks to over 10,000 students every year, it amazes me the kinds of comments I receive from students in response to the questions I ask. What I’ve found shocking are the idealistic views that students have about sex. During one of the sessions we ask students “What are the benefits of having sex before marriage versus after marriage?” I’m sure you’re not surprised that we get a lot of answers for the “before marriage” side. The most valid reasons that students use are “To bring a relationship closer together” or similarly “To strengthen a relationship.” Wow… Continue reading What They Don’t Know Will Hurt Them!
…Still Leaving a Little for the Imagination?
Do you remember the old saying “Leave a Little for the Imagination?” I do. This phrase, usually directed towards females, suggested that a person’s clothes should not be so revealing that someone else doesn’t have to wonder what’s beneath them. My questions are, “Is this saying still valid today? What should be revealed and what shouldn’t? How short is too short? How low is too low? What is appropriate and what is inappropriate to wear in public? Whose responsibility is it to monitor what our kids are wearing?”
Recently I was teaching at a middle school in our county. The teacher of the class informed me that one of the students was sent home because her skirt was too short. He said that when the young lady’s mother showed up, she had the same exact skirt on as her daughter…go figure (that, in and of itself, can be a whole seperate issue!) Continue reading …Still Leaving a Little for the Imagination?
Does my child need a curfew?
If you did not receive this month’s eNewsletter, please check it out here: Does my child need a curfew?
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Too Much Too Soon?
Recently, I was on a cruise to the Bahamas. On the third day of the cruise I decided to go to the bow of the ship for some peace and quiet. After I found a spot, I nodded off for about five minutes, only to be awakened by the conversation of three women who had placed their lounge chairs next to mine.
Because they were so loud, I was so comfortable, and they seemed not to mind, I sat there and listened to their conversation. The conversation was about one of the women’s teenage daughter and her boyfriend (obviously high school students). However, it was far from what I expected. The mom was upset because she felt her daughter’s friends were jealous of her daughter’s relationship with her boyfriend. “I told her they’re just jealous and you should not let them ruin your relationship. Ryan’s a great kid and you two are great together.” Continue reading Too Much Too Soon?
The Protective Power of a Pair of Eyes
Many families have more than one computer, and as a result, teenagers find themselves in the lucky position of having almost unfettered access to the World Wide Web. Cautious parents use firewalls to protect against viruses or filters to prevent certain sites from being viewed, but among many teenagers, there is a black market of information on evading such systems. Despite the plethora of protective technology available, the average 11-year-old boy has already seen pornography, probably more than once.
The internet is as safe as having the world in your backyard, and frankly, if the world were in my backyard, I wouldn’t let my child out the door without him being firmly strapped to my arm. Teenagers are smart, but they are not wise; which means that just like a three-year-old can figure out that a table knife fits inside the slots of a toaster without realizing why she might not want to try it, a 14-year-old can figure out that looking at certain sites online makes her feel warm inside, without realizing that pornography is addicting and mind-warping. And internet filters, while helpful, only go so far. Continue reading The Protective Power of a Pair of Eyes
Should my daughter be vaccinated for HPV?
We would love to know what you think on this matter. Please feel free to comment at the end of this post.
Vaccines can be life-savers. They can also cause problems of their own, and they are expensive. You have to decide if the benefits outweigh the risks. Here are some points to consider regarding the HPV vaccine. Continue reading Should my daughter be vaccinated for HPV?