Comments on: Should Teenagers Be Tracking Their Fertility?

By: Katharine

Katharine — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 21:05:09 +0000

Right on, Kristen.

My husband and I have always been very open with our children—male and female—about how bodies work and about sexuality being strongly connected to emotions and relationships.

Our daughter, now 23, was embarrassed as a teen by how candid we were, but now that she’s a social-work intern, she tells all her fellow students that we were the coolest parents ever, because she could talk to us about absolutely everything.

By: Kristen King

Kristen King — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 20:55:19 +0000

Sydney, I hope that my daughter (when I eventually have one) is like you. You’re so level headed! I love it.

Education is important, but the facts need to be accompanied by feelings. What’s important to you as a parent? What values do you want to impart to your children? They need the whole picture, not just “the facts.” IMHO, that’s where a lot of parents drop the ball.

By: Sydney

Sydney — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 16:26:30 +0000

I agree with you both – I am a strong believer in providing accurate and comprehensive sexual health information. I just cannot buy the argument that sex ed info encourages teenagers to go out and have sex. For me, finding out about the consequences of sex encouraged me to make better decisions, not jump into bed. It made me very cautious about getting sexually involved because I knew the risks of my actions.

By: sognatrice

sognatrice — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:05:36 +0000

Agreed Katharine. With young girls beginning menstruation earlier and earlier, it is essential that we teach them what the whole process is about–with facts.

IMHO, if we look far enough into who’s really against spreading such knowledge, we’ll find not only (often) religious “you’re encouraging sex” arguments but also drug companies–I’m guessing birth control manufacturers are just a tad nervous about what might happen if menstruating women learn to control our reproduction by knowing our bodies better.

By: Katharine

Katharine — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 18:34:03 +0000

I’m the mother of a 23-year-old young woman, and I’m firmly in the camp of “as much information as possible.” It’s precisely because American society keeps young women in the dark about their bodies that there are unwanted pregnancies, high rates of sexually transmitted infections, and (Oh my God! She’s going to say it!) sexually dissatisfied women. Having knowledge is having the power to keep yourself healthy and better direct the course of your life.