Talking with Teens about Sex

While there are many complex and delicate topics that parents face in raising your children today, it is important that you and your child are able to communicate about these issues. Below are resources to help get the conversation started.

PAMF Content for Parents

• Talking About Sex
• Talking With Preteens
• Teen Emotions and Life
• Teen Topics and Issues

PAMF Content for your Teen

• Abortion


• Emotions & Life


• Preparing for a Tough Conversation


• Sexual Health--Homophobia


• Sexual Health--Orientation


• Sexual Health & Experience


• STIs- Levels of Risk


• Talking to Parents & Safe Sex Question

Outside Resources

• Keys to Successful Family Functioning: Communication: This Virginia Cooperative Extension brochure for parents describes successful modes of communication. It includes information on family communication, instrumental and effective communication, styles of communication, keys to building effective family communication and family assessment.


• QueerAmerica: This database published by OutProud and The National Coalition for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth includes information on community centers, support organizations, PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians And Gays) chapters, queer youth groups and more. The site facilitates meeting friends, getting questions answered and finding support.


• Talking With Kids About Tough Issues: This parent Web site that seeks to help facilitate discussion about sex, HIV/AIDS, violence, drugs, and alcohol with your preteens and teens. It includes video clips, booklets, tips, and links to other helpful Web sites, as well as a page on talking with kids about sex and relationships that is especially helpful, as it includes FAQs.

Recommended Books

• The Birds, the Bees, and Me (DVD)


• It's not fair, Jeremy Spencer's parents let him stay up all night!: A Guide to the Tougher Parts of Parenting by Anthony E. Wolf


• The New Gay Teenager by Ritch Savin-Williams


• The Real Truth About Teens & Sex by Sabrina Weill


• Staying Connected to Your Teenager: How to Keep Them Talking to You and How to Hear What They're Really Saying by Michael Riera

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