I'm sure there are times when talking with your parents about anything - let alone dating and sex- sounds like the worst thing in the world. The truth is though that parents have more experience and wisdom about dating and relationships than we usually give them credit for.
It doesn't have to be awkward! To get the ball rolling, we have some ideas for how you can prepare for "the talk":
- Generate questions about dating that you feel your parents would have the best answers to. Write the questions down so you can refer to the list when you’re stuck.
- Get a sense of your parents’ comfort level about a particular topic by saying that you have friends who are doing the same thing. Then, ask them how they’d feel if you were doing it too.
- Discuss your personal values and beliefs regarding love and sex and allow your parents to share theirs. Knowing this will make it easier to find common ground and reconcile differences.
- Build up to the tough questions instead of dropping a bomb on them right away. Definitely include birth control in the conversation.
- Not everyone receives adequate sex or relationship education, so don’t be too surprised if your parents have some misconceptions about sex from their own parents. If something doesn’t sound right, double-check that information with a source you trust.
Good luck and while you're at it, why not share this great resource about family communication with your parents!