Many teens who have sex don’t use birth control, initially or ever. Why do they take such risks? Quite often it’s because they believe certain birth control myths. These include: 1. “Birth control is unromantic.” Ask a teen how romantic pregnancy or fears of pregnancy might be. The fact is, using a reliable method of […]
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Some people, especially teens, think sex and intimacy are the same, but that’s not so. Some have sex without emotional intimacy. Others have intimate relationships that don’t include sex. Still others are able to build a lovely combination of emotional and physical intimacy. Let your teen know that intimacy, above all, means feeling safe in
Besides physiological facts and pertinent warnings about sexually transmitted diseases, there are five important, and all too often overlooked, facts that teens need to know about sex. This is what you might tell your teenager: • First, sex is an acquired skill. People expect miracles when they first have sex, not realizing that people need
What can you tell your teen about saying no to sex? You might give him the following reasons to abstain: • First, abstain from sex if you don’t know anything about birth control or if you’re too embarrassed to seek or use birth control. Until you can learn about and have the emotional maturity to
Telling your teen to “just say no” to sex may not be nearly as effective as helping him or her find their own best reasons for saying no. You might say to your teen: • First, say no if you don’t feel ready. Feeling ready, instead of pressured, can make sex, when you finally choose
Love to a child is a four letter word spelled T I M E. Spending time when you can, even if you are a busy working parent, is what tells them clearly that you love and value them. Children remember the tiny moments you spend with them, and the simple things you do together, not
Has this happened in your house? You ask your kids to do something and they say “in a minute” and you go off like a fire cracker. And if they do something wrong, you don’t just tell them, you yell? If you answered yes then here are some ideas: Physically, try leaving the room immediately,
Eating properly is not only a matter of health, but a life skill that includes social skills which your children must be taught. You can only turn bad eating habits around by making it clear that they must STOP, and by insisting that everyone agree to a consistent plan. Put the plan in writing like
Once a teenage girls starts dating it is only natural for her parents to have concerns about her sexuality. Your daughter should not be surprised if you want to talk, because hopefully you have discussed these issues with her in the past. Tell her that it IS harder for you to talk about this now
What’s happened? Your sweet little baby just turned two and all of a sudden you hear yourself saying it…No, No, NO. Well, it probably seems like you are “always” saying no because you rarely had to say it before. Now that she is two, it’s a whole new ball game. Your child is mobile, curious,
“What do colleges want?” is a question nervous high school seniors and their parents ask over and over–especially as the application season approaches. Individual requirements vary with highly selective private and public universities differing quite dramatically from less demanding community colleges of four year schools struggling to fill their freshman classes. Overall, however, the colleges
As the holiday season nears each year, thousands of frantic high school seniors are faced with a major decision–choosing where they will send their college applications and, ultimately, where they will go to college. Ideally, however, this decision-making process needs to start much earlier. The junior high years are not too soon. What can a
Questions a teen needs to ask herself before even thinking of having a baby include: 1. “What can I give my baby?” Most of us want the very best for our children: unconditional love, a fair amount of economic security, freedom from hunger, and ideally, the loving support of two parents are some important basics.
Recent news headlines have emphasized the ability of Japanese school children to outscore American kids in most academic areas. For example, the average Japanese high school student scores as well as the top 5% of U.S. High Schoolers in math. Many parents want to know why the Japanese are able to perform so much better
Tension headaches cause a sensation of tightness that completes encircles the head. The neck muscles also become sore and tight. Almost everyone has had a tension headache. Tension headaches can be cause by a prolonged use of video games or a computer, or by excessive reading or typing. About a third of people develop a
The best time for losing weight is when a youngster is over 14 or 15 years of age. This coincides with a major concern in one’s appearance. A self-motivated teenager can follow a diet and lose weight, regardless of what the family eats, but set a good example. ⢠First, change the foods you buy.
Acne occurs in 90% of teenagers. It’s due to overactivity and plugging of the oil glands. It’s not caused by dirt, fried foods, or chocolate. Acne usually lasts until about age 25, so your teenager needs to understand how to manage it. • First, wash the face with a mild soap twice a day, but
As embarrassing as this problem can be to a teenager, it is not uncommon in adolescents and young adults. It is not a sign of emotional immaturity, and it can be treated. Recent research has found that bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, is related to a specific stage of sleep. The deep sleep phase may be
The stomach and intestines are easily affected by stress. Teens may find themselves getting stomach aches or diarrhea, for example, before exams or a much anticipated date or other major event. Relaxation exercises, reassurance and talking about their feelings with supportive family members or friends may help these teens and their digestive tracts to calm
Headaches occur for many reasons. Colds, flu, a sinus infection, or dental problems can cause headaches. So can allergies, high blood pressure, eye strain, or skipping a meal. But if your teen is getting regular headaches, he or she should see a physician to identify the type and possible cause of the pain. Only rarely
