Let's Talk about Sex!

Today the Texas House Public Education Committee will hear a number of bills of interest to children in Texas. One of them is a proposed law that would require that, if Texas schools choose to teach sex education, they must present medically-accurate and age-appropriate information, including information about abstinence but also contraception, effective communication, responsible decision-making and what it really takes to be a parent. A second bill does not require discussion of condoms or contraceptives but it does require scientific accuracy if they are discussed – and it prohibits discouraging the use of condoms or contraceptives. 

Did you know that, according to the group Children at Risk, Texas receives more federal funding for abstinence-only programs than any other state in the country yet, at the same time, it has one of the highest rate of births and repeat births to teenage girls in the nation?The group Education Works believes teenagers need honest information to make responsible choices about sex. 

Have you discussed sex with your children? No matter how the schools cover it, it is our job as parents to make sure our kids are well-informed and can make educated decisions with their life and sexuality. Unfortunately, there are too many kids out there that do not receive proper guidance from their parents or other adults in their lives, so it falls on the schools to help them make good decisions about their bodies and morality. Obviously, teaching abstinence alone does not work. So, how far do you think schools should go in preventing teen pregnancy? It's a highly controversial topic but there is no avoiding it. 

I think it's time to start talking! Don't know how to start? I suggest a book written by Sugar Land mom and OBGYN nurse practitioner, Janine Sherman, and therapist Mary Jo Rapini: "Start Talking: A Girl's Guide for You and Your Mom about Health, Sex or Whatever." 

We love the Q&A format and the lighthearted take on these big time issues that are so hard for moms and kids to discuss sometimes. Buy one copy for you and one for your daughter. We wish there was a boy version, too! (We suggest highlighting the parts boys should know in blue highlighter and giving it to your son to read!)