DianaR

I have always felt it wise to just get birth control as a matter of course, instead of telling teens they should abstain. After all, they need to learn how to be the responsible young adults we need in this world.

At what age would you start insisting on the presence of birth control in your teen's life, regardless of gender?

bubble

I am not sure I can put an age to it. I think it is more about mental maturity.

Joe

As soon as they feel confident enough coming and asking for it.

If they don't want to do that then they can deal with any consequences that may come from it.

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Heffer

When your daughter ends up pregnant at age 15, you'll be wishing you had talked to her about b/c rather than just hoping she can deal with the consequences herself. With that kind of thinking, you'll end up taking care of your grandkid instead of her.

rhino grey

I think parents should always be as "real" with kids as possible. Talk to kids about birth control at a young age, maybe 12 or 13, and they'll start to wrap their mind around safe, acceptable sex rather than seeing sex as an outlet for rebellion. Hell, they're going to rebel in some ways, might as well get the really dangerous stuff out in the open. I don't see any reason for the way everyone is so timid when it comes to being open about sex. It really shouldn't be such a taboo.

bubble

I am trying to bring up my girls to feel they can talk to me about anything they want. My eldest already knows where babies come from, because she asked, and then asked a lot more questons which led to me having to tell her the truth. I dont think she would have asked at all if I hadnt been pregnant at the time.

I want to be one of those mums that my kids can talk to about these things, without having to feel embarrased.

rhino grey

Yeah, that's a good kind of mum to be. Mine was always very open about these sorts of things, even to the point where she would make really uncomfortable (but funny) jokes a lot. I dunno, maybe it's partly why I'm screwed up but I love her for it!

ken7700

I think it is hard to put an age on it as girls mature at different ages so I really would not have an answer for that one.

playwxthmatches

when i was in school we had our first puberty/sex talks in fourth grade. that's a good age to start that kind of stuff because some (the earrrrly bloomers are already dealing with changes) & the rest will start soon. we were told about all the physical/emotional changes that were going to happen. we were also told about abstinence & birth control. as far as taking birth control, i'm not sure what age is right. depends on the individual i suppose. even if the girl isn't sexually active, it's not a bad idea because it helps regulate menstruation.

if they think they're ready to have sex, they need to be ready to either get on the pill or buy condoms.

dvboard

Birth Control and Condoms need to be something that anyone having sex has access to, no matter age. They also need to understand that they don't have to have sex if they don't want to. Too many girls are pressured into having sex and they regret it later.

As far as the birth control and condoms I'm not sure who should provide it, as i know lots of younger people would hide the fact that they are having sex from their parents who should be the one providing or leading them to these things. I'm not so sure i agree with anyone else giving my kids something like that though.

willyable

Sometimes I think that giving a teen birth control gives them permission to have sex but I would rather be safe than sorry as well. But these days birth control causes numerous amounts of health problems.

TheBigEasy

it also helps numerous health problems, women with very bad "women problems" can control them with birth control, i not be a women, for whoever called me sweety the other day, but i do knows this.

playwxthmatches

the pill does indeed help regulate "women problems" (aka menstruation). there are some health risks, although rare. with other forms (ie: patch, shot, ring) the health risks are greater in some.

DianaR

No doubt!

I wouldn't, and didn't, wait for them to ask. I figure it is just like learning to eat the right foods and wearing a helmet and knee pads when biking or skating.

It is a safety and health issue, not one of privilege.

playwxthmatches

very true. everyone knows about sex (at least they know that it exists), so why shouldn't everyone be educated about birth control?

Louise31

Yes it does I had extrememly heavy periods and at 15 went on the pill it is in fact advised by doctors to do this, I think if you have always been honest and open with your kids then they will be able to come to you with the questions regarding birth control.

Heffer

Total truth.