Let’s Have The Talk
Talking the birds and bees isn't always easy, but someone's gotta do it!
So my mother is a little unorthodox.
As a kid, I was never graced with gentle lies of the storks coming to bring babies, or of magical seeds that plant the baby in the mommy’s tummy.
I had my first sex talk at the ripe old age of 3 years old.
And my first condom demonstration on a banana at 7 years old.
It makes sense. My mom has a job in sexual health and teen pregnancy prevention, so I suppose she wanted to instill in me the knowledge and practices that would help me in the future.
Personally, I loved knowing about all of the facts and basics of sex and the like.
Not everyone’s parents are like that. And there’s no right or wrong when it comes to this kind of thing.
I just know that it really worked out for us.
I would say about 50% of the conversations that my mom and I have are related to sex and sexual health, so our first talk opened up a whole world of conversations that for some families, are very awkward.
Whether it’s awkward or smooth sailing, the talking is the most important thing.
Have you ever started a convo about sex, love, or dating with your parents? What’s stopping you?
Ariana is 17 and from Tuscon, Arizona. She is a member of The National Campaign’s Youth Leadership Team. She can touch her head with her foot while completing a game of Solitaire in less than one minute. Have a question for Ariana? Send us an email!
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WHAT OTHER TEENS ARE SAYING:
I’ve never talked to my parents. Gross!!!!!!!
I have never spoken 2 my parents about any of these cause it’s awkward and suspicious for someone of my nature 2 ask about those things
I think it’s always good to be able to talk to your parents about personal things, and be open if you have questions about sex or your sexual health.
Also, look into the science of things, it’s really neat!
No, because I think it just to weird and I feel uncomfortable talking about it with my mom or parents.
Well my parents weren’t exactly there for me and me and my partner are ready to have interaction but I’m not sure with facts that I should no before it happens
Marriage = sex
I’m about to be be in high school and my dance is coming up I do have a boyfriend but I can’t convenience my mom and I’ve tried talking to my dad what do I do
This is a really good way to influence your kids to do correct things
I’ve been wanting to talk to my mom about sex but she was a teen mom and now I’m 16 and terrified of talking about it. What do I do?
in my opinion teens should wait until marriage to have sex because they have their entire future ahead of them and they need to focus more on their education more not on dating it can wait
I’m just scared that I will make the wrong decision or what if the condom breaks and I end up getting pregnant I wouldn’t be able to live with the guilt.
Well we have talked about it and they are putting me on birth control next year and no one is pressuring me into having sex but I want to have sex I feel that I am ready even if my parents are not. I just would feel guilty. My best friend wants to have sex to so I told her to ask her mom if she could get put on birth control she said her mom would go insane and I suppose that’s normal for adults to do, but she didn’t have any condoms so me being the best friend that I am I got her some just to be safe. Was that the right thing to do?
My mom waited to have sex until marriage and she wants me to do the same. Ive been dating this guy for a long time and we want to have sex as protected as possible. I’ve tried talking to my mom about birth control and she is so agianst it she beleives we can wait much longer but i don’t want to.
yall should just get informed about sex and so what if your in love don’t make a mistake.
yes , my mom doesn’t actually know how to talk about things like that , she might say little things. But now it might be to late because I think I’m pregnant , I’m 17 and I had unprotected sex on the last day of my period. I know my Mom will be disappointed , but I’m not sure if I am do you think I am ?
Really? 50% of conversation? I talk to my mom about that stuff and it isn’t awkward, but we talk about A LOT more things
My parents and I don’t talk about this sort of thing. My parents are very overprotective and maybe they think if they dont talk about it with me they can ignore the fact that it’s there.
I’m 21 and never had a boyfriend in my life. why should teens worry about dating anyway? they have their whole life ahead of them to date and have sex. sex in my opinion is not something to mess around with because you may think its fun while your having it but the week you’ll be buying up a pregnancy test and end up sad when it turns positive. teens should not think about sex until they are married or at least old enough to take responsibility. teens just enjoy life and wait to have sex until your older or married. that’s all i have to say.
I think if you have to ask someone if you SHOULD have sex, now isn’t the time. I think if you’re unsure, you might regret it. If you think now is the time for you, go ahead. But you’re young, you have time. There’s no rush. Obviously, it seems like you’re a little conflicted. Maybe give it a little more talk, and talk it out with him as well. Just my perspective, though.
I’ve been dating this guy for awhile now and I really want to have sex and so does he. Where should we have it? And should we? I’m on the pill and he has condoms. I’m in love with him. I know it’s time.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: