The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy has reviewed research about parental influences on children’s sexual behavior and talked to many experts in the field, as well as to teens and parents themselves. From these sources, it is clear that there is much parents and adults can do to reduce the risk of teen pregnancy

Here are some tips that can increase the ability of parents to help their children pass safely into adulthood pregnancy-free.

• Be clear about your own sexual values and attitudes.

Communicating with your children about sex, love, and relationships is often more successful when you are clear in your own mind about these issues.

• Talk with your children early and often about sex, and be specific.

Young people have lots of questions about sex, love, and relationships. Be sure to have a two-way conversation, not a one-way lecture. Ask them what they think and what they know so you can correct misconceptions. Ask what, if anything, worries them.

• Supervise and monitor your children and adolescents.

Establish rules, curfews, and standards of expected behavior, preferably through an open process of family discussion and respectful communication. Supervising and monitoring your kids’ whereabouts doesn’t make you a nag; it makes you a parent.

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