The teen birth rate is steadily increasing, reports "The Washington Post." Out of every 1,000 teen girls, 42.5 percent become pregnant. These statistics are shocking for parents, especially those hoping to teach abstinence to their children. Unfortunately, abstinence doesn't give teens all of the information and resources that they need to make wise decisions about sex. Talking to your teens about contraception can help keep them protected, no matter what they decide to do.
Step 1
Open yourself up to dialog about sex with your teens. While you may be embarrassed or nervous to talk to them about such a private subject, understanding your teens' thoughts and conceptions about sex can give you greater insight into how mature they are about the subject, and how likely they are to have sex and use protection while having sex.
Step 2
Talk to teens about your expectations when it comes to sex and contraception. If you hope that your teens will wait to have sex, you can let them know that is what you expect. But also talk about having sex and the types of things that can happen when contraception isn't used, such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Avoid using scare tactics, and simply present the facts as they are. See the Resources section below for facts on contraception that you can show your teen.
Step 3
Avoid relying on the school system to teach teens about contraception. Although most schools offer health classes to talk about sexuality, teens may be too embarrassed to ask for contraception, or the school may teach an abstinence-only program that doesn't provide teens the tools needed to protect them while having sex.
Step 4
Give resources for obtaining contraception, even if you do not want to obtain it for your teens yourself. The American Civil Liberties Union noted that simply preventing teens from obtaining contraception puts them at risk; if they cannot obtain it, then they will most likely engage in unprotected sex. See the Resources section for a listing of local Planned Parenthood offices, where teens can obtain different methods of contraception on their own.
Step 5
Take your teens to the doctor for a yearly check up and testing. When you know that your child has had sex without protection, he must be tested for STDs immediately. Along with a yearly health exam, you can help protect against disease while setting a good example to your teen of the importance of contraception and good sexual health.
