For every parent, deciding to talk to their teen about sex can feel somewhat uncomfortable and awkward. Depending on your relationship with your teen, talking frankly about a subject like sex can truly seem like a daunting task. We will discuss several tips to consider once you have decided it's the right time to talk about sex with your teen. Timing is crucial. Your teen must be mature enough to understand the basic concepts and consequences of sex. With that decision made you might consider the following.

Know What You Want To Say Ahead Of Time

Knowing what you want to say ahead of time will allow you to feel more comfortable about the direction the conversation leads to. Truly, the more nervous and unprepared you are the more uncomfortable your teen will feel during your conversation. It is important to mention that you as a parent must consider what your personal belief is about sex. Whatever your belief system is, you need to help your teen understand what you as a family practice and hold as a standard. Sex should be a decision carefully considered. Many feel that sex should be something only experienced between husband and wife. If you believe similar to that you obviously would talk differently to your teen than someone who didn't.

Explain The Consequences

Regardless of your belief system regarding sex, there are certain consequences related to sex that everyone should be aware of. For example, teens need to understand that they are involving the powers of procreation and the results of having sex could include causing pregnancy. This of course opens up an entirely separate conversation and ramifications. Suffice it to say, teens must be aware that getting pregnant or becoming a father is a real possibility and causes serious life changing decisions to be made.

Also be sure to mention the possiblity of them catching sexually transmitted diseases. More and more teens are catching them every day. Whether your believe abstinence is the answer, or not, be sure to mention what a condom is and the importance of using one.

Let Them Ask Questions

An important part of communicating is that both parties be apart of the conversation. Let your teen ask questions. If you have created a proper level of trust they will ask frank questions that will help them learn from you in a controlled environment and dispel rumors or other thing they may have heard from peers, the media, or the internet. Teens are curious and will always have questions. Try to answer honestly and frankly and always rely on your belief system to help explain where you stand.

Let Teens Know Your Expectations

Be sure to explain to your teen how you feel and what you expect them to do in certain situations. There is a lot of pressure on teens to have sex in high school. Helping them understand what is expected of them will help them make the decision ahead of time on what they will choose and how they will react to those situations. Talk to your teens about sex. They have questions and they will seek for answers. Help ensure they get their answers from you.