Talking about sex is never easy, but it can be easier.
A survey released last year from Planned Parenthood and Family Circle magazine, with assistance from the Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health, found that teens are much less comfortable talking with their parents about topics pertaining to sexuality than their parents are talking with them about the same topics.
Planned Parenthood Arizona will be hosting workshops in Phoenix and Tucson to educate parents on how to have “the talk” with their children.
However, when teens are able to have open, ongoing conversations with their parents about relationships and sex, it makes a difference. Studies show that teens who report having good conversations with their parents about sex wait longer to begin having sex and are more likely to use condoms and other birth control methods when they do become sexually active. Further, when teens are comfortable talking with their parents about relationships and sex, parents are better able to help and support them in the decisions they make.
There is no better time than now to get the conversation started, and Let’s Talk month does just that …
Background on Let’s Talk Month: For those who might not be familiar, Let’s Talk Month is a time during which sexuality education providers and advocates across the country encourage young people and parents to communicate with one another about sexuality. Sexuality comprises a wide range of topics, including relationships, anatomy and body image, reproduction, gender and sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest provider of sex education, offers resources, guidance, and encouragement to teens and parents who are unsure about how to talk about relationships and sex.
Planned Parenthood Arizona will be hosting three workshops in Arizona. Two will take place in Phoenix and one will take place in Tucson.
Parents As Sexuality Educators (PHOENIX)
Workshop to help parents learn more about teen sexual development and discover new resources for talking to teens about sex and sexual health.
- When: Wednesday, October 23 from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Planned Parenthood Admin Office (5651 N. 7th St., Phoenix)
- RSVP to education@ppaz.org by October 21.
How to Be an Askable Parent Workshop (TUCSON)
Workshop to give parents tips on how to talk with their kids about sex and sexual health, time to network with other parents, and resources to take home.
- When: Thursday, October 24 from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Planned Parenthood Admin Office (2255 N. Wyatt Dr., Tucson)
- RSVP to education@ppaz.org by October 21.
Parent & Teen Workshop (PHOENIX)
Workshop to help foster open and honest family dialogue about sex, provide tips for making responsible, healthy decisions about sex, and information about pregnancy and STD prevention.
- When: Wednesday, November 6 from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Gateway Early College High School (108 N. 40th St., Phoenix)
- RSVP to education@ppaz.org by November 1.