Step 1
Prepare yourself for this important talk by educating yourself about STDs first. You will have a much easier time conversing with your teenager if you are well-informed of the topic. Your teenager will also be more likely to listen if he/she can see that you know what you are talking about.
Step 2
Go over every known STD with your teenager and make sure he/she is aware of how the STD is contracted and its treatment options. It is important that your teenager knows the dangers of STDs.
Step 3
Show your teenager statistics that apply to his/her lifestyle, age group, etc. Your teenager needs to understand that STDs are real, and could happen to him/her just as much as to the next person.
Step 4
Relate to your teenager by sharing a story about your life as a teenager, and how difficult it was for you as well to fit in. Let him/her know that you understand how challenging it is for him/her to stay away from sexual activity. Your teenager will be more willing to listen to you if he/she knows that he/she can relate to you.
Step 5
Inform your teenager of the importance of practicing safe sex. Emphasize the importance of using condoms as the only preventative from STDs. While you are not encouraging him/her to be sexually active at a young age, you want your teenager to be well-informed and safe when deciding to become sexually active.
