How to Prevent Teenage Parenthood Using Communication

How our children turn out as teens is determined by how they are parented as children, and as preteens. Communication is a very important part of parenting children of all age groups for many reasons, and in many ways. When talking about the subject of teenage parenthood I must stress that communication is the main key in the prevention of it.

Regarding teenage parenthood, communication should begin before teens are teens. A sex talk is not what we are aiming for. Sex talks may decrease the likely hood of teenage pregnancy, yes, but there are other things that need to be taught to children before they are ready for the sex talks. Younger children can learn these values as well, and in fact should. These lessons do not have to wait until the preteen years to be taught. These lessons affect and reduce the chances of teenage pregnancy, yes, but really have nothing to do with sex specifically, but rather stress a healthy lifestyle and making good choices.

The first lesson up to bat that needs to be taught is respect. Even young children can and should learn this. Respect is a very important part of life. Both giving respect and being respected are important. When we talk to our kids about respecting themselves we need to stress that they need to make good choices for themselves, to keep themselves safe and healthy. Later on in life, when the time for sex talks comes, your children will remember this lesson about respecting themselves and others to remain safe and healthy. With STD's being so widespread, and the potential for a life changing pregnancy occurring, this is very important. The best way to teach respect other than by means of communication is to live a respectful, respectable lifestyle.