How you can talk to your teens about sexual health

Talking with your son or daughter about sexual health and menstruation is vital to guide them to make the right decisions on the subject.

Having an open conversation about menstruation and puberty goes a long way for parents to reduce feelings of embarrassment and discomfort.

Also, contrary to the taboos surrounding these topics, adolescents may already be familiar with some advanced concepts as they approach puberty.

Although that is the reality, the information that comes from the parents is reliable due to the influence that, by nature, they exert on their children.

If you’re an approachable adult, your child will feel comfortable coming up to you and talking about sexual health.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Neelima Kamrah, Director of the KIIT World School Gurugram, explained: “It is not wise to wait for your children to come to you with questions about their changing bodies. Especially if they don’t want to discuss sensitive topics with you. Talk to your children about the physical changes as they enter puberty . She describes the importance of girls maintaining good menstrual hygiene even before their periods start. These conversations should start sooner than parents may believe.”

The school must also participate

According to Kamrah, teachers and school personnel must be trained to provide timely information and promote menstrual health.

“ Comprehensive sexual education teaches much more than preventing pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases; When done right, it imparts age-appropriate lessons on the body, relationships, communication, violence prevention, decision-making, and many others. This will also help reduce rates of teen pregnancy, STDs, and sexual assault.”

For her part, Kirti Acharjee, co-founder of HealthFab, indicates that children are probably experiencing the changes that come with puberty, such as mood swings and tests of independence.

“Describe the process of menstruation in detail. Let them know what it is and why women get it. As a result, they will be more prepared to cognitively accept menstruation as a “normal” aspect of life ”, she assures.

In addition, it urges parents to explain the importance of birth control availability to all without discrimination or stigma. “It is essential that children understand that having sex does not imply having an STD or being pregnant. You should also describe unprotected sex and the health problems it causes. In general, deciding what facts you want your child to know is a great place to start,” she said.