How Much Does Your Teen Know About Birth Control?

This particular issue came up because of a book I read recently. I did a review on it, but wanted to make sure parents/caregivers/teens had a chance to understand what it was about and absorb the life lesson.

Teens Aren’t the Best Sharers.

Parents are often the last to know what’s happening in their teens life… Now, before you get all defensive about it, I just want you to think about it.

Parents are busy. Like Mega-busy. Kids/teens are too. When everything is in constant motion it can be tough to actually sit down and have a frank, perhaps uncomfortable, talk with your teen.

We rely on the quick check-ins:

“How’s it going?” you ask. “Are you keeping up with your classes?”

“Ah, yeah. Sure. All good.” They answer still scrolling through their phone.

“And your boyfriend/girlfriend, how’s that going?”

“Okay, I guess.”

“Remember you can always call the doctor and make an appointment to talk about birth control and safe sex.”

“MuuuuuuUUUMMMM…I know and I’m not having sex, okay? I told you already. Geez.”

“I’m just saying that if you want to talk about it, I’m here or you can talk to the doctor.”

“I said, I’m fine.”

Exit teen–perhaps a slammed door–or not–Mom left standing there wondering how else to get through to her teen as she also has other children, work, and financial concerns to consider.

(SIDEBAR: now, I know that this probably isn’t your teen, but it’s pretty typical. They have the answers to everything and don’t need you. Don’t take it personally. It’s fairly normal, I think. One thing that I know to be true is that they do hear you when you speak. The message does get through. Take them for a drive–the perfect place to trap–er, I mean talk– to your kid. Make sure the earbuds are out and start talking.)

Reality? Chances are, it’s Already Happening.

Teens, down through the ages, always know more than anyone else–especially parents, but we of course know that isn’t true.

There are several types of birth control, abstinence being the only 100% sure thing. Kids though will go to their friends, the internet, sites like Reddit, to make up their own mind.

I don’t feel it necessary to go into each and every method of birth control but I do want them to know that it takes some smarts to make them work.

Reading the Fine Print

Anything used to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases are only as good as their managers. Does that make sense?

I know that. You know that. But… does your teen know that?

A person needs to know the details of the product and follow the directions. This goes for each and every contraception on the market.

Remember Too That it’s Sons and Daughters

Both need the information and the fine print. Young men can not assume their partners are protected and vice versa.

Both are responsible for what happens.

If they don’t have anyone to talk to, please go do some research and find out where they can learn.

Perhaps the school counsellor or nurse, a friend, or an auntie.

Don’t send a teen to someone who just wants to talk them out of it (sex or getting birth control) because it won’t work… or not for long anyway.

Be realistic in your expectations.

A Great Read. A Great Lesson.

I highly recommend that parents read this book and then share it with your teen.

This is a Young Adult book so the target reader is teens. An adult may read this and know immediately what’s going on, but I’d like to know if your teen figures it out.

It’s well written and relatable.

Check it out: DENIAL

Let me know your thoughts. If you prefer you can always contact me through the site at faye@fayearcand.com

Thanks for Reading.

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