As a parent, you play the most important role in the life of your child. Parents should be the main sex educators of their children and, believe it or not, your children want to learn about love, sex and relationships from you.

What can parents do?

Talk with your children about love, sex and relationships.

• For tips on how to start the conversation, visit our parent portal.
• Conversations should start early and be ongoing and age-appropriate. If the first time you talk to your child about these sensitive issues is when they are a teen, you may be too late.

• Talking with your child will help clearly define your family’s values, build communication skills and create a bond between parent and child.
• When teens are close to their parents they are more likely to consider family values in sexual decision making, are more likely to delay having sex, and are more likely to use birth control if they do have sex.
• Use teachable moments to start the conversation with your child. Moments in everyday life are a perfect chance to begin this conversation. TV shows and commercials are a great way to start a dialogue about teen pregnancy, peer pressure or relationships.

• Learn about the SC Comprehensive Health Education Act (CHEA). The CHEA covers many topics and allows for schools to teach both abstinence and contraception.

• Research shows education that includes information on both abstinence and contraception does reduce teen pregnancy, HIV, STD’s and risky behavior. Teaching teens about birth control does not lead to teens having sex.
• Be involved at your child’s school and attend PTA and School Board meetings to have your voice heard.
• Pay attention to what your child is learning about sexual health and reinforce the message at home.

Educate yourself. 

• It is normal to feel uneasy talking with your child about love, sex and relationships. Try to overcome your fear by reviewing materials on sexual health in your local library or on the Internet. The SC Campaign has tips for talking to your child about sex and relationships in the parent portal. 
• There is also information about sexual health and healthy relationships written just for young people at CarolinaTeenHealth.org.