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Teens and Healthy Relationships
Maybe you’re the parent of a teen, or maybe someday you will be. What sort of advice are you going to give them about their romantic entanglements? Spoiler alert: it can be complicated, but they’re going to really need you. So get ready.
Parents play a key role in helping kids define and establish healthy relationships, and can also keep an eye out for signs that their child might be in an abusive relationship. Changes in behavior and rejecting friends to spend more time with a boyfriend or girlfriend are key indicators. That’s why it’s crucial for parents to always know where their teens are and who they are with, and that they get to know their teen’s friends and boyfriend or girlfriend.
(via MomsRising)
Someone asked us:
Q. My daughter will be 11 this year, and will probably begin menstruation at any time. When should she have her first gyn exam and what are her options during menstruation? Pads only, or what? I purchased her a really good book on puberty and have spoken with her on the topic (Not as much as I would have liked; she gets embarrassed, but I’ve seen her reading the book in her room, so that’s good, at least.) and I’m unsure what else I should do to prepare her. Any advice?
It’s great that you’re thinking about this on behalf of your daughter! Women should start getting Pap tests, which happen during a pelvic exam, when they’re 21 years old. But once your daughter gets her period you may want to schedule a gynecologist appointment for her. During this visit, she can ask questions and talk with a nurse or doctor about growing up, changes in her body, and any concerns she has. These checkups will help make sure that she’s healthy and developing as she should. Most often, these early visits don’t include a pelvic exam.
Now, about her first period: Your daughter can use tampons or pads — whatever feels most comfortable for her. The Info for Teens section of our website has a lot of information about getting your period, how to use tampons and pads, and puberty. While your daughter is checking all that out, you might want to take a look at the Tools for Parents section for help on talking with your daughter about sex and her body and keeping her healthy.
And remember, the staff at your local Planned Parenthood health center can answer any questions you or your daughter may have about getting a check up and how to deal with periods.
-Amy at PPFA
There’s a ton of interesting info in this graphic, but it’s especially striking how condom use decreases with age, even with casual partners. Condoms shouldn’t be something you grow out of as you get older — the protection they offer against STDs is unrivaled by any other form of birth control besides abstinence! Your high school sweetheart may not be in your life anymore, but condoms should be.
source good.is
