When Did This Turn Into a Sex Blog?

Perhaps from the lack of sex I'm actually having, I've turned to reading about sex and discussing it here on my blog.

Oh well. I'm getting satisfaction and pleasure from my writing (not in that way), so I feel the need to continue but will try not to overdo the sex talk.

Speaking of sex talk, people all over the world are talking about sex and education, and teens, thanks to the recent announcement about Sarah Palin's new status as grandmother-to-be. That's right, I'm focusing instead on her role in the family matter rather than her daughter's. I have my opinions on the situation, but who am I to talk? Enough people are doing that already.

I do, however, feel the need to remind everyone, no matter what our political or religious views, about how important it is to talk to our children - from a young age - about sex and providing them with opportunities to discuss questions they have. I can't stress enough to my young son how I want him to be able to talk to me about anything. Even at his young age, I'm trying to open the doors of communication between us so that when the time comes for those difficult, if not awkward conversations, it'll be less likely to be an embarrassing discussion (for either of us).

Clearly, if you read this blog, I'm open to talking about my views on, well, pretty much everything, so there's probably less likelihood that my son will impregnate a young girl before they turn 18, right? WRONG. Just because I am open to discussing issues about sex, contraception, birth control, abstinence and giving him all of the information necessary to make his own decisions, they will in fact be his own decisions and regardless of how safe and smart young people are, life happens.

Alright, I said I wasn't going to share my thoughts on the whole matter, and I haven't, really. Have I?

By the way, for those living in the San Diego area, I'm teaching a parenting workshop in just a few weeks on this very topic: Speaking to Young People about Sex. It's not easy for everyone to be as open as I am about these sorts of things, especially with children. I'm hoping that the course will help parents understand their sexual values and focus a bit more on what types of information they want to share with their children before their child comes to them with questions.

Do you talk to your children about pregnancy and protecting themselves from STDs?

Sex Ed - Grown Up Edition

I'm working on writing a curriculum entitled, Let's Talk About Sex: Straight Talk Between Parent and Child. I'll be teaching this one-hour workshop to parents in the community in September. Incorporated in the workshop is a growing list of topics to help young parents educate their children so that they can - hopefully - make smarter, healthier decisions when it comes to their bodies and their sexuality.

STDs are top on the priority list as far as things I plan to cover. Some parents might want to know why my first concern is not "birth control," or discussing reasons to abstain.

Times have changed since my parents were teens. Times have changed - dramatically - since I was a teen. Sexually active people (no matter what their age) have always put themselves "at risk" for unplanned pregnancies, hence the name "birth control."

What amazes me is how little is known or discussed about STDs and the prevention of them. Sexually active individuals are more likely to have an STD, pass along an STD unknowingly or contract an STD than they are to conceive a child! This is the reality that young people, in particular, are having to deal with - unfortunately, from first-hand experience.

One in four American women between the ages of 14 and 19
has a sexually transmitted disease.

There have been many reports and discussions in the news about young people engaging in oral sex more often than the "sex" sex that most of us knew as teenagers. Yes, oral sex "existed" then, but there are many young people today who consider themselves virgins (and admit this proudly) even though they've participated in oral sex.

Times certainly have changed. With statistics being what they are, this type of ignorance is more dangerous to a person's health than they realize.

Let's start to educate ourselves and our children before it's too late.

Thank you to LOVE IN THE TIME OF HERPES for the inspiration behind this post. And a big thank you hug goes out to the blogger for her dedication to educating readers and allowing those of us who have an STD to "come out of the closet."

Let's Talk About Sex

Since my son is only four, I haven't felt the need to start worrying - just yet - about the sex talk, but I'm prepared for when the time comes to sit down with him and explain ways in which he can protect himself (and his partner) from not only unwanted pregnancy, but from STDs as well.

Now I'm not going to preach here or share with you my personal beliefs (or experiences) but I will say this: I was a teenager once.

Childhood is much different these days than it was when I was growing up. I'm sure things will change quite a bit more before my son reaches his teen years. Check out this startling new Safe Sex Passport that is meant to be provided to / from partners before sexual activity.

Luckily, there are several resources that will help give him the proper information while allowing him to explore these embarrassing and often-times, difficult questions on his own.

Thanks to the Daily Bedpost, I discovered that today is the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. Now, I realize that unwanted pregnancy is not something anyone (of any age) wants to deal with, but what about preventing STDs. Isn't that something to be even more concerned with?

Here are just a few sites I've discovered that provide factual information and answer questions many people may have:

Planned Parenthood

Smarter Sex

Your Total Health:
Sexual Health Information

SIECUS: Sexuality Information and Education
Council of the United States

Medical Institute for Sexual Health

Sexual Health Network

Coalition for Positive Sexuality

Feminine Box

I Wanna Know

And for parents or adults to share with children:

How to Talk to Your Child About Sex:
It's Best to Start Early, but It's Never Too Late
A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents

It's Not the Stork

It's So Amazing

It's Perfectly Normal

Ten Talks Parents Must Have
with their Children about Sex & Character