#TalkingIsPower Month is a national effort to spark meaningful conversations between young people and the champions (trusted adults) who care about them most. Champions have the influence to help ensure that all young people have the power to decide if, when and under what circumstances to become pregnant and have a child. We’re using the month of May to help all people embrace their inner champions. May is all about reminding parents, champions and mentors of how powerful they really are. We know our young people are listening. We also know that starting meaningful conversations about sex, love, and relationships can be a bit awkward—that’s why we’re challenging you to take the pledge today to talk to the young person in your life.
Tips and guidance for parents on sexual health conversations in the Ottawa County Department of Public Health parent guide at www.miOttawa.org/SexEd.
"The parent guide contains some tips and scripts to help parents have an 18-year conversation with their kids about relationships, love, sex and birth control," stated Heather Alberda, Sexuality Educator with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. "Moreover, a majority of teens agree that it would be easier for them to postpone sexual activity and avoid teen pregnancy if they were able to have more open and honest conversations about these topics with their parents."
Nearly 63% of Ottawa County youth indicated their parents or other adults in their family talked with them about what they expect when it comes to sex. (Ottawa County Youth Assessment Survey at www.miOttawa.org/2017YAS, pages 40-45.) In the U.S., more than 50% of teens age 12-15 report that their parents most influence their decisions about sex. For teens age 16-19, 32% say that parents most influence them. (Power to Decide, 2016)
For more information and resources, contact Heather Alberda, BA CSE, AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator at halberda@miottawa.org or 616-393-5774.
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