Talking about Sexuality and Values
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Teens and parents: Before you do this
exercise, please read the notes at the bottom of this page.
Teens: Complete this form by writing in the appropriate column
the age at which you would feel comfortable engaging in the behavior. Later,
ask your parents to fill in the parent column, and discuss the responses.
Parents: Complete this form by writing in the appropriate
column the age at which you would feel comfortable if your preteen or teen
engaged in the activity. Later, ask your teen/preteen to fill in the ages at
which he/she thinks the behavior is appropriate. Discuss the responses.
When
is it okay to … |
|
Preteen/Teen |
Parent |
Hold hands |
|
|
Kiss on the lips |
|
|
French kiss |
|
|
Participate in petting |
|
|
Go out in a group of friends |
|
|
Date |
|
|
Undress in front of a boyfriend/girlfriend |
|
|
Have sexual intercourse |
|
|
Live with someone without being
in a committed relationship |
|
|
Enter a committed relationship
with someone |
|
|
Notes to Teens and Parents
As you do this exercise and discuss your responses, please listen to each other.
Ask the other person to talk about why he/she feels that an age is appropriate
or acceptable for the particular behavior. Remember that these are individual
values, not eternal truths; so, you can be open to different views and
avoid being critical or judgmental.
Parents: It is important that you share your
values. However, remember that as your teen moves into young
adulthood, he/she will make private decisions about sexuality.
You will have no control over those decisions.
Teens: It is important to listen to your parents and consider
their opinions carefully, even as you express your own values. Their experiences
and wisdom may help you to make difficult decisions; but in the end, the decisions
are yours to make.
Click here to return to the Parents' Sex Ed Center home
page.
|
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