[Aditya]

What you can do

Too many parents believe they simply can’t make the difference in their kids’ choices during the teen years. According to this new research, this view couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that during adolescence, our children need as much guidance as they needed in earlier years.

Teens face potentially life-altering choices in their daily lives. Two-thirds of teens who have sex end up wishing they had waited. Many parents who feel comfortable talking with their kids about other dangers like drugs, drinking and smoking avoid or minimize educating their kids on sexual facts and values.

In the context of a loving, supportive relationship, parents need to communicate clearly to their kids that they disapprove of them having sex. Placing a high premium on education and self-worth may empower kids to have confidence and to set goals for the future. Girls with high self-esteem and who feel accepted at home are less likely to have sex. If they have positive and meaningful relationships with a parent, they are less likely to seek acceptance elsewhere, such as in a sexual relationship with a boyfriend.

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy suggests parents be clear about their own sexual values and attitudes and tell them to their children. Start talking to kids about sex and love at an early age — and be specific. Establish curfews, rules and standards of behavior for your young teens. Always know the whereabouts and company of your children. Discourage early, frequent and steady dating. Know what your kids are reading, watching and listening to. Know your children’s friends and their families.

No guarantees

As with all aspects of parenting, there are no guarantees of outcomes. It should be comforting to parents to know their close relationship and connectedness they have with their kids might help to prevent destructive choices during the teen years. Through effective communication, example and guidance, parents can make a crucial difference in their kids’ important decisions. By promoting education, being involved and knowing their kids’ friends and whereabouts, parents can promote teen sexual abstinence.