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For Parents of Teens and Preteens

TalkStarter for Teens: The NH Prep School Sexual Assault Case

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The recent sexual assault case at a New Hampshire prep school is a tragedy for both teens involved (and their families). But it does give other parents an opportunity to talk with their kids about situations and choices that can cause legal and emotional trouble—and about how to avoid decisions that have long-term repercussions. In […]

What Is “Good Sex,” Anyway?

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We sometimes talk about “good sex”—wanting it for ourselves and for those we love. But what exactly do we mean by that? Experts consider sex “good” when four things are true: It’s consensual: Both parties agree to whatever activities happen. It’s safe: There is no transmission of an STI, no unwanted pregnancy, no physical or […]

When It Comes to Talking With Your Kid About Sex, What Have You Done Right?

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A lot of the people who come to my workshops on talking with kids about sexuality feel like they don’t know where to start. But most of them have already taken at least some steps toward providing information and/or opening a dialogue. You probably have, too, even if the whole topic still feels a bit […]

Pre-College Checklist: Buy XL Twin Sheets, Pack Shampoo, Talk About Sex

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If your kid is heading off to college soon, there’s so much to do: clothes to sort and pack, dorm equipment and bedding to buy, technology to figure out, maybe travel plans to make. Plus you and your kid are dealing with complicated emotions: excitement about a new life stage, anxiety about academics and social […]

TalkStarter for Preteens: What’s the Buzz at Camp?

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If your teen or preteen goes to camp, she’s put into an environment with kids outside her usual social milieu. Crushes, romances, and rivalries can develop; fascinating information (or misinformation, or rumors) about puberty and sex may be shared around the campfire. Kids may start thinking about these things more or differently than they usually […]

How Many Sex Partners Have Young Adults Really Had?

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If you watch much media these days, you’d think that most teens and young adults are constantly having casual sex. Hook-ups and experimentation are routine; it’s normal to have lots of sexual partners. Except—what if that’s not true in the real world? How many sex partners do young people really have? My survey of 900 […]

Instead of “The Talk,” Try “The Drip Method”

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When your parents told you about sex (if they did), was it all at once? A big, overwhelming “The Talk” that left you feeling like a deer in headlights—overwhelmed, and unable to absorb everything they’d said? Give credit where due: Having one big Talk is much better than saying nothing. (And if your parents talked […]