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1. May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
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As part of
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, Wednesday, May 8th is National
Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. Despite recent declines, 4 out
of 10 girls in the U.S. get pregnant at least once by age 20.
Many teens say they are concerned about pregnancy, but still think
"it can't happen to me." But it does-to one million
girls every year.
Studies show
that kids who feel they can talk with their parents about sex-because
their parents speak openly and listen carefully to them-are less
likely to engage in high-risk behavior as teens than kids who
do not feel they can talk with their parents about the subject.
So discuss your feelings about sex with your kids-it will go a
long way to prevent teen pregnancy.
For tips on
Talking with Kids about sex, visit:
* http://www.talkingwithkids.org/sex.html
Visit the
National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy Web site at:
* http://www.teenpregnancy.org
2.
Talking
about Sex: More Than Just the "Birds and the Bees"
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While
our children need to know the biological facts about sex, they
also need to understand that sexual relationships involve caring,
concern and responsibility. By discussing the emotional aspect
of a sexual relationship with your child, she will be better informed
to make decisions later on and to resist peer pressure. If your
child is a pre-teen, you need to include messages about the responsibilities
and consequences of sexual activity. Conversations with 11 and
12-year-olds, for example, should include talks about unwanted
pregnancy and how they can protect themselves.
Download your
FREE Talking with Kids parent booklet at:
* http://www.talkingwithkids.org/booklet.html
View resources
for Talking about Sex at:
* http://www.talkingwithkids.org/local.html#sex
3.
Tip of the Month: Give Kids the Facts [return
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Besides pregnancy,
parents should talk about sexually-transmitted diseases with their
kids. By the time they reach third grade, 93% of children have
already heard about HIV and AIDS. Yet, while kids are hearing
about the illness early on, what they are learning is often inaccurate
and frightening. You can set the record straight-if you know the
facts yourself. Offer honest, accurate information that's appropriate
to a child's age and development. To an 8-year-old you might say,
"AIDS is a disease that makes people very sick. It's caused
by a virus, called HIV, which is a tiny germ." So stay informed.
Sharing this information with your youngsters can keep them safe,
and calm their fears.
For tips on
Talking with Kids about HIV/AIDS, visit:
* http://www.talkingwithkids.org/aids.html
View Ten Tips
on Talking with Your Kids at:
* http://www.talkingwithkids.org/first.html
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