When you think of talking with your teenagers about tough
subjects, you will be confused and hope others to do it for you. However,
allowing teenagers to learn hot topics such as sex, drugs and relationship is
easy to make a mistake. Instead, talking about them with a frank attitude and
an open conversation. That way helps your children not need to learn them from
any other sources.
Teenagers have
many physical and mental changes.
Sex and their bodies
Your children go through many changes, and some of them feel
embarrassed of their bodies. You are the parents, so you should answer their
questions about the puberty, body and sex. Helping them to know they are normal
and healthy is the good first step, but you should also prepare for an honest
conversation about sex, even these questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why and
How. When your children are ready, you can also discuss contraceptive methods.
Social relationships
Your teens are probably exploring various social
relationships, from casual acquaintances to a serious girlfriend. Talk to them
about wholesome relationships and the signs of unwholesome ones. Experts
suggest talking to your teen about things like when to start dating, casual
dating and serious dating, and some of the downsides of having a serious
relationship, like sexual pressure or infatuation. At last, your teens can
identify which is good or bad.
Your teens are
probably exploring various social relationships.
The internet
It's inevitable: your teens will use the Internet. Internet
has a vast variety of knowledge but it can be dangerous. Talk with them how to
use internet safely and protect themselves when are online. You can also
mention available adult sources like pornography, as well as online bullying,
online predators and how to use social media responsibly. This is also a good
time to set boundaries for Internet usage and punishment for abusing that
privilege.
Substance abuse
More than 28% of 12-grade students reported drinking alcohol
in the last month, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Significantly, 6.5% reported smoking marijuana every day. Your teen will
definitely come in contact with them, so you should tell your children the
dangerous consequences and family standard of using those things.
6.5% of 12 grader reported
smoking marijuana every day.
Future
Most teenagers want to know what they can expect from the
future. Whether it is involved in studying at university, working, getting
married or anything else, tell them what you hope, and more importantly, how to
achieve their goals for what they want out of life. Creating a path and showing
confidence in their dreams help give them a support system to fulfill their
potential.
