|
How You Can Get Involved
Develop an open relationship with your children
You can get involved in your children's lives by establishing an open and respectful relationship with them. Show your support of their extra-curricular activities. Attend recitals, sports events, or academic assemblies. Ask questions about their friends and share information about your relationships. Make yourself available to answer questions and offer guidance as needed, but give your children space to become independent, responsible adults. When you are an approachable parent, your children will feel more comfortable coming to you with their questions and concerns.
Stay well informed on teenage sexual health issues
Try to keep up to date on issues for teenagers. Talk to other parents and friends. Find out what their children are going through, the kinds of questions they have, and the activities they're involved in. Read the paper to stay on top of current events. Look at parenting magazines—or even magazines for teenagers. Even though you were once a teenager and you know how hard it can be, being a teenager today is very different. Try to accept and understand these differences. Ask your children what they think are the biggest issues regarding sex for people their age.
Initiate conversations about sexual health with your children
Don't wait for your children to come to you with questions. Take advantage of good opportunities to start conversations. Use movies, television, or music to spur conversation. Try to let conversation flow naturally. Some good conversation starters might include:
- "What do you think?"
- "That's a good question."
- "Do you know what that word means?"
- "How does that make you feel?"
- "I'm glad you told me about that."
Volunteer at a local clinic
To get involved at the community level, consider volunteering at a local clinic or hospital. Many towns and cities have clinics that diagnose and treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) at little or no cost. You may be able to volunteer your time to help with administrative services, reception, education, counseling, or other activities. To locate available health clinics in your area, you can search the Web or contact your State's public health department.
Start a parent awareness and support group or newsletter
Even though most parents want their children to learn about abstinence and contraception, safer sex, and STDs, many have a difficult time talking to their children about these issues. By starting a parent awareness and support group, you could give other parents an opportunity to voice their concerns, discuss potential solutions, and practice addressing tough issues. A newsletter provides a way to inform and support a broad range of parents in your community by providing helpful resources, facts, and tips.
Be a role model
Be a role model and public advocate for parent involvement in sex education. Being a role model can mean that you make informed decisions about your health—physical, mental, and sexual—and share your knowledge base with others. Talk to your friends and loved ones about the importance of educating children about sexuality. Sharing information and supporting people you care about while setting a good example can make you a role model.
| 
