Page 227 - (DK) Help Your Kids with Growing Up: A No-Nonsense Guide to Puberty and Adolescence

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Oral sex Anal sex
When someone uses their mouth or tongue to stimulate Any sexual activity involving the anus is known as anal
their partner’s genitals, the act is known as oral sex. This sex. This can be a type of sex, or a part of foreplay, for all
can be a type of sex, or a part of foreplay, for all kinds of kinds of partners. It’s important to agree that it’s what
partners. Not everyone finds oral sex pleasurable, or both partners want. Some people don’t want to have
wants to do it. It depends on the preferences of both anal sex, but some people enjoy it, and experience
the person giving and the person receiving the orgasm during it. It’s important not to have vaginal sex
stimulation. Some people enjoy it, and many partners after anal sex without washing the penis or replacing
experience orgasm during it. a condom.

Open conversations
Talking about sex can be embarrassing for everyone, but it’s better
teens find out the facts from their parents, rather than discovering
incorrect information through friends or on the Internet. Some parents
worry that talking about sex will encourage their teen to have sex, but there
is no evidence to support this. In fact, open discussions are proven to reduce
the occurrence of STIs and lower the rates of teen pregnancy.

▷ Awkward conversations
Talking about sex is often awkward, and both teens and parents
may feel embarrassed, but it’s best to acknowledge that and laugh
it off, rather than let it prevent communication.

TEEN HINTS P ARENT TIPS
Talking to your parents about sex Talking to your teen about sex

• Although a lot of teens probably talk to their friends about sex • It’s best to speak to your teen about sex as early as possible
frequently, it’s a good idea also to speak to your parents, who and certainly before they are sexually active. The amount of
can make sure that you have the right information. information you give can vary depending on how mature
they are, but the younger the teen, the less likely they are
• Try asking them questions about relationships first.
to be defensive or feel awkward.
• Think in advance about what you want to say – do you need
advice about contraception? Are you just curious? Or do you • Break down the topic into chunks to be discussed over time.
Use what’s on television or in the news to inspire a chat.
want to know about something in particular?
• If you don’t want to talk about it in person, equip them with
• If you’re concerned your parents will react negatively, or will resources that are factually accurate, in order to counteract
refuse to discuss the topic, it’s probably best to speak to
another trusted adult, such as a teacher or school counsellor. any misinformation found online or through friends.

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