Today, more teens are waiting to have sex , and many of those who choose to be abstinent say they've made the choice because of religion or morals. If you want your child to wait to have sex, it is important that you talk with them about your expectations.

Here are some tips on how to get that conversation started:

• Be honest and let them know that you trust them to make a good decision. If you are uncomfortable talking about sex, let them know. It is likely that they are feeling awkward too. But don't let that stop you from having this important conversation.

• Be specific. Do you want them to wait to have intercourse? Sexual touching? Kissing?

• Tell them why. Do you want them to wait until they are older? Married? More prepared to have safe sex? Explain to them your reasons for wanting them to wait, so that they can think through their own reasons.

• Discuss birth control, pregnancy and STDs with your children. Studies have shown that providing kids with accurate information about safe sex doesn't increase sexual activity.

• Start early. Begin talking with your children before they begin dating, and then again as the grow up and enter relationships.

• Let them know it is OK to have sexual feelings. Tell them that their feelings are natural, but they don't have to act on them. Talk to them about other ways that they can express their love and affection.

• Teach them how to say no. You can start the conversation by saying something like, "What would you do if your date wanted to have sex and you didn't?" Let them know that it is best for them to talk to their partner early, before things heat up.

• Give them tips for avoiding pressure. Suggest planning group activities or spending time in public places to help them avoiding situations they may feel sexually pressured. Let them know that using drugs or alcohol might make it more difficult to say no or make good decisions about birth control.

• Help them plan for the future. Let them know that they are important, and they have too much potential to mess their future up with an unplanned pregnancy or STD.

• Trust them. Young people are more likely to follow through on a decision to remain abstinent if it is what they want. Let them know that if it is too hard for them to talk to you about sex, there are other professionals and trusted adults they can talk to, like a counselor or doctor.

Source: "Encouraging Abstinence, Ten Tips for Parents," by Mardi Richmond. Journeyworks Publishing.