Transcript Talking to Your Parents

Talking to
Your Parents
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Sometimes, it’s hard to talk to your parents about
sensitive topics such as sex and drugs.
While it may be difficult, the positives outweigh the
negatives.
Sensitive Topics
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What is a sensitive / tough topic?
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Uncomfortable topic
Challenges values and beliefs
May get you into trouble
Examples of sensitive topics:
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Drug & alcohol abuse / use
Teen sex, pregnancy, homosexuality, or STDs
Dating & relationships
School violence / bullying
Peer pressure
Sensitive Topics Cont.
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What makes a tough topic hard to talk about with
parents?
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Embarrassment
Afraid of parent’s response
You and your parents may disagree
Why is it important to talk to your parents about
sensitive topics?
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Strengthens your relationship
Demonstrates responsibility on your behalf
Increased knowledge
How Do
I Begin?
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Think about what you would like to know.
There are several ways to begin the discussion to a
sensitive topic.
No matter how you begin the conversation, the
purpose is to talk with your parents.
Talking Once, Is
NOT Enough
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Talking about the sensitive topic only once is not
enough.
If you can’t talk with your parents, talk to another
trustworthy adult.
Get a third party involved to help talk over the topic
with your parents.
Adolescent Sexuality
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Starting at puberty, teens start experiencing a rush of
hormones, which inevitably triggers your sexual
interest.
Pregnancy Rates:
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2000: U.S. = 48.5 out of 1000 15-19 year olds
2000: AL = 62.9 out of 1000 15-19 years old.
STDs: Nationally, 3 million teens contract a STD
every year
How to Prevent: Talk with your Parents or other
helpful adults!
Adolescent Drug
Use & Abuse
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Approximately 50% of teenagers drink alcohol, and
approximately 40% use marijuana.
Alcohol:
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Drugs:
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3rd leading cause of death in the United States
Teens can become alcoholics within 6 months of drinking,
Adolescent drug use is highest in the United States,
Increases tolerance & physical & psychological dependence
How to Prevent: Talk with your Parents or other
helpful adults!
Adolescent Depression
and Suicide
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As many as 1/3 of all teens are depressed.
Signs of adolescent depression include: increased
sleep, loss of energy, reduced interest in activities,
and thoughts of suicide.
Depression can lead to suicide.
Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for
individuals 15-24 yrs old.
Talk with your Parents or other helpful adults!
It is now time
to engage in
the Activities
Wrap-up
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What was the importance of today’s session?
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Importance of talking with your parents
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What makes discussing sensitive topics so
sensitive?
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How do you begin a conversation on a sensitive
topic?
What have you learned today and how can
this be applied in your own home?