1. Be clear about your own sexual values and
attitudes. Communicating with your child about sex, love and
relationships is often more successful when you are certain in your own
mind about these issues.
2. Talk with your children early and often about
sex, and be specific. Start the conversation, and make sure that it is
honest, open and respectful.
3. Supervise and monitor your children and
adolescents. Establish rules, curfews and standards of expected
behavior, preferably through an open process of family discussion and
communication.
4. Know your children's friends and their families.
Welcome your children's friends into your home and talk to them openly.
5. Discourage early, frequent and steady dating.
Group activities among young people are fine and often fun, but allowing
teens to begin steady, one-on-one dating much before age 16 can lead to
trouble.
6. Take a strong stand against your daughter dating
a boy significantly older than she is. And don't allow your son to
develop an intense relationship with a girl much younger than he is.
7. Help your teenagers to have options for the
future that are more attractive than early pregnancy and parenthood. The
chances that your children will delay sex, pregnancy and parenthood are
significantly increased if their futures appear bright.
8. Let your kids know that you value education
highly. Encourage your children to take school seriously and set high
expectations about their school performance.
9. Be "media literate." Know what your
kids are watching, reading and listening to. You will probably not be
able to fully control what your children see and hear, but you can
certainly make your views known and control your own home environment.
10. Strive for a relationship with your teen that
is warm in tone, firm in discipline and rich in communication, and one
that emphasizes mutual trust and respect. Don't underestimate the great
need that children and teens feel for a close relationship with their
parents and for their parents' guidance, approval and support.
