Teen Pregnancy

     We live in a world where teen pregnancy is a serious reality.  Even though teen pregnancy rates have gone down, I think there is much room for improvement.  One reason I feel this way, is that many times when a girl gets pregnant this tends to decrease what she can do with her future.  I don't feel that we are doing enough to help teens and children understand and prevent teen pregnancy, as well as other issues that come from having sex outside of marriage.
     Who does this affect?
     First one in three girls become pregnant before 20 years old, also teenagers make up half of all first out-of-wedlock births.  Also, one out of five teens have repeat births.  The hard reality is that the teens are not the only ones who are affected by this.  This also affects their family and especially the children that are born.  This contributes to poverty for the mother and child, as well as an absence of a father, this makes the prospects of the child reduced.  I could go on and on about just this part, but trust me when I say that research shows many negative consequences in this instance.
     Why does teen pregnancy happen?
     Things have changed over the years and there's a longer span between adolescence and becoming a successful adult.  Marriage also tends to come later in adulthood now.  Not to mention that culture doesn't tell teens what is the optimal sequence for sex, marriage and parenthood.  Also, they aren't given the recent social science evidence at school or home, on social and economic benefits, that come from a low-conflict and long lasting marriage for women, men and children.  Every day teens are exposed to messages about sex in TV, magazines, internet, phones and books, not to mention pornography.
     Where do kids learn about sex?
     Most teens learn about sex from their friends, Internet and anywhere else, before they get information from their parents or teachers.  Most parents aren't sure how to address sex, it's purpose and what a healthy relationship entails, with their children, let alone their teens.  This is something that can't be ignored, I repeat you need to address sex with your children from a young age.  The reason for this is that children are exposed to these things from a very young age.  For instance, before children go to school, they should be taught that they have private parts, what they're called and that they are very special.  That their parts shouldn't be touched by anyone else but them and to let their parents know if anyone touches their parts or someone else's, because they are so special.  Also, let them know to tell you if anyone shows them pictures of someone not fully clothed.
     What to do?
     The message here, is that parents can't put off talking to their kids about sex.  The best way is to do it at different times, about different areas of the subject that are appropriate at the different ages.  Discussing these topics from a young age helps keep an open conversation about sex and helps prevent issues.  Need to also make sure your children know that they can come to you with any questions they have.  Since, they will go somewhere else with their questions and may get wrong information.  It's important also to help children know what a healthy relationship is and when it's appropriate and correct to have sex and why.
     Personal Experience
     For me, I was taught from a young age that sex is a very special act.  That it is to only be done between husband and wife, who are married.  That the reason for this is that it is very bonding emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  As well as that the only one that you should give that part of yourself to, is someone who loves you so much that they want to marry you and spend their life with you.  It's also what allows people to have children and so, it should be with someone that would want to help you take care of those children with you and that you want and trust to be the parent of those children.  This helped me to have a view that marriage was the only thing that would allow me to engage with someone sexually, and look forward to the day when I could engage with someone who loved me, as much as I loved them.  I can honestly say that I completely agree with this and that sex is more than something to fulfill a need.  It is one of the most sacred and special things that I have ever been a part of.  I am so happy that I waited until after marriage with someone who loves me and makes me feel grateful & happy everyday.  I will be forever grateful that I was able to wait not just for me, but because I wanted the best for my children, the opportunity and blessing of having two parents.  Not just because of research, but because of my own personal experience and happiness.  So, for the sake of your children, give them something to look forward to in the future and why this is so important!    
Why do you think it's so hard to talk about sex with your children?  Do you have any advice or experience that helped your children in this area?

Below is a link to a resource for parents from lds.org.  I realize that everyone isn't religious, but this has good ideas for teaching your kids.  If you have any questions about the guide, please let me know. Thank you!
A Parent's Guide

The link below is a great website for parenting tips.
5 Basic Tips for Talking to Your Child About Sex

An article from a teenage girl who became pregnant.  It's from lds.org and even though it has a few religious terms, I thought it gives a good view into what a teenage girl goes through, when she becomes pregnant.  I liked it because it shows how she makes her decision about what to do about the baby.
Could I Let My Baby Go?

Information was used from the book Marriage and Family Quest for Intimacy by Lauer & Lauer.