Iowa parents are being prodded to have “that” conversation with their kids as part of what’s called Let’s Talk Month. Tiffany Larson, a pregnancy prevention coordinator in Webster City, says parents need to be willing to talk with their teens about sex and the many related risks. Larson explains the primary goal of the month.
“It helps young people develop responsible and positive attitudes about sexuality,” Larson says. “It’s basically a time that communities, media, businesses, schools, community agencies can have leadership roles in supporting communication between young people and adults in their lives.” Larson offers a few tips to help parents educate their children in the sensitive subjects.
She says to encourage communication and reassure kids they can talk to you about anything. Listen more than you talk. Don’t jump to conclusions and don’t assume that a teen who’s asking about sex is having sex. Answer questions simply, directly and honestly. If you don’t know the answer to a question, be honest and say so, then find the answer together. Larson works to explain the consequences of teen pregnancy to families in Hamilton, Wright and Humboldt counties. For more information about Let’s Talk Month, visit: “www.advocatesforyouth.org”
Contributed by Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City