Welcome to the SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy's Parent Portal - Let's Talk 365.  We know that talking with young people about love, sex and relationships is not easy, but it’s absolutely necessary. Experts in education and health have made it clear that in order to positively impact knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to sex, youth need ongoing conversations and trusting connections with the adults in their lives. Having “the talk” is only one tiny part of the sexuality education our children need.

 Dr. Melisa Holmes shares her insight in this Girlology video about why parents are so important in the role of sex educator and some ways to overcome barriers to having these conversations with your children.

We have some new research on this site that dives a little deeper into "The Talk", including why it should start at home, how you can avoid mixed messages about wanting your children "to wait" (abstinence) and contraception, and how to have conversations with teens who are already sexually active.  Below are the links to these specific topics, but be sure to explore the other pages of the Parent Portal.  You never know when you might find the piece of inspiration you have been looking for to motivate you to start talking to your own teens about love, sex, and relationships!

• "Is Talking about Abstinence and Contraception a Mixed Message?"
• "Is the Home a Place for Sex Education?"
• "Talking to Sexually Active Teens about Contraception"

For parents and other adults that care about youth, Parent Portal offers resources and guidance. We encourage you to visit a website, attend a local program, or buy a book to read with your child. Use examples from pop culture, music, television, and current events to strike up conversations and find out what your child knows or doesn’t know. As you begin to include sexuality topics in your everyday conversations, the communication becomes easier and more effective.