Communicating with your teen can be difficult. Communicating with your teen about birth control methods is even worse, but so very necessary. It’s been proven time and time again that education is power and teens that know more about sexual education are safer and more responsible when it comes to sex. There are many varied opinions on how to handle birth control with your child so take some time and figure out the right way to handle it. Here are some tips on how to handle talking about birth control with your teenager.
Make a Plan
Go into the conversation prepared. Research birth control methods and make sure you’re in the know about the latest pills and options. If you have a daughter, be ready to discuss the side effects of birth control as well. Before talking to your child, decide if you are willing to provide birth control for your teen or just want to educate him or her. If you aren’t willing to provide birth control for your child, consider referring him or her to a location where it can be obtained.
Just Do It
Most parents have anxiety when it comes to big talks like birth control, but if you feel like you need to start the conversation, just go for it. Putting off the conversation won’t do you any good and will just put more pressure on you. And if something happened while you were waiting, you would definitely regret not having the talk right away.
Be Honest
Some parents make a mistake by not telling their kids the whole truth about sex and birth control. You don’t have to be graphic, but don’t leave out important details. Your teen needs a place to be open and honest, and there isn’t a better place than with a parent. If your child isn't getting the information from you then he or she will get the information at school or from the internet. Be open to questions and ready to answer them even if it might feel a little awkward. If you are talking with your daughter about the birth control pill make sure you are very clear that the pill needs to be taken every day and at the same time of day. This is a common mistake teens make, but it is vital that your child understand birth control pills need to be taken daily or it is ineffective.
Allow Access to Birth Control
Your teenager may already be taking the pill for other reasons beyond birth control. If so, this is a good time to discuss the contraceptive rolls of the pill, as well as other birth control options. Discuss with her why access to birth control is important and which option is most effective for her current situation. If you feel like birth control pills or another option such as an IUD is necessary, the next step should then be to schedule your daughter an appointment with an ob/gyn to get a prescription. While birth control might not be readily on the minds of teenage boys, this is also a good opportunity to talk to them about safer sex practices. Explain why condoms are important for both partners as well as how to properly use them. Do stress that relying on condoms alone is not 100% effective but, in conjunction with other methods, can reduce the chances of birth control failure and STIs, keeping themselves and their partners healthy.
