Teens say parents most influence their decision about sex
Posted by Tiziana on June 13, 2011
Nationally, over 700,000 teens get pregnant each year.
Wow! I didn’t realize this was such a major issue. After the birth of my daughter I now feel a sense of responsibility to create awareness for parents, and was honored to preview a copy of the documentaryThe Wisdom of Girls: Teens, Sex & Truth,
As a mother of a baby girl, and a rather young step grandma-ma I was deeply touched by this documentary, because it makes the connection between girls’ self-image and the decisions they make about their bodies. I feel great compassion for these teens and their lost youth. Having children forces all of us to grow up.
The documentary also created a great sense of awareness in me. That same evening I found myself in an environment where I could attest to teens’ dynamics and sexualized culture we live in.Three young women, newly graduated were on display with their short dresses (really - short has acquired a whole new definition) smoking in front of an older man out in the patio.
Although girls today need to hear that: Sex does not equal love, I feel even more passionate about informing parents that “Teens (46%) say parents most influence their decisions about sex”
As a parent, I have chosen open communication for our household, calling body parts by their proper names, and providing my future teen plenty of practice in making her own decisions.
Personally I experienced “The Little Mermaid” syndrome, where Ariel driven by her sense of rebellion to her dad makes choices that might not have been wise at the time. Fortunately for me these did not scar my adult life.
I know that I am going to need to grab my courage and speak with my child, as she goes through the rite of passage from childhood to adulthood, attends proms and wears short dresses…. because like it or not I know that she will explore the world of love, pleasure and ultimately sex. Yet I feel very thankful and appreciative to know about this documentary and the great work of Barb Steinberg.
