Parents of teenagers know they need to talk to, or better stated, talk WITH their teens about a whole host of issues and pressures and temptations and societal ills.  We have a teen in our extended family, and DYLAN if you’re reading this, if I ever even HEAR of you in the car with a phone in your hand, I’m flying to Rhode Island and you and I will be having “a little chat”.  Dear God, let the car be a No Phone Zone. 

Now, where was I?  Oh.  So these little talks need to include relating  to children and young adults about risky behaviors.  The challenge and question for many parents is “how”.  How do I talk to kids about relationships and sex;  what to do when your child comes out to you; how do I handle pregnancy or disease; where can I get help?

The Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP) has put out a guide called Let’s Talk and it is available online at www.alexgetreal.com under New Features. I love this resource because it helps to make the not knowing on the part of the parent be okay.  It’s okay to be traveling a road you’ve never encountered and it’s okay to be a bit unsure.  It’s also okay to recognize you might not have all the answers and it’s more than okay to go out in search of information that’s direct and to the point . This particular site offers statistics, interactive features and relatable videos.  So be encouraged all you parents (and teens, too!) and Be Wholly You  because ACAP says:

The ACAP works collaboratively for and with youth to achieve lifetime success through active involvement and personal commitment. ACAP strives to sustain a reduction in adolescent pregnancy and the consequences for its youth through culturally and age-appropriate education, advocacy, technical assistance, direct service prevention programs and public awareness. For more information about ACAP, visit www.alexgetreal.com or contact Becky Griesse at Rebecca.griesse@alexandriava.gov.