The Myth of the Rebellious Teenager

[somebodynew]

Originally Posted by malamute

Of course there were always those that didn't/couldn't learn to control their urges --- but the consequences of very early sexual activity are why parents want to teach their children to prevent themselves from becoming victims.

I don't really think that is true. You see so much emphasis on sexual activity prevention and not so much discussion said consequences.

My son told me about a girl at his high school who was crying and he asked her why and she said that she thought she was pregnant. He asked her what her boyfriend said when she told him and she sobbed that he told her he didn't give damn, he said he dumped her already (at the news) and she should just get an abortion.

That is as much a consequence of sex as it is a consequence of choseing an a-hole for a partner. And failing to use birth control. I wonder if the parents' mantra was don't have sex or if they actually taught her anything.

[Zimbochick]

Originally Posted by somebodynew

I don't really think that is true. You see so much emphasis on sexual activity prevention and not so much discussion said consequences.

I agree, and the current research shows Well-Informed Kids More Likely To Delay Sex. Information is power.

[somebodynew]

Originally Posted by Zimbochick

I agree, and the current research shows Well-Informed Kids More Likely To Delay Sex. Information is power.

Yes!

[djacques]

The OP has a point, that the mere possibility of an opposition does not serve as an excuse for not parenting and setting expectations for dependent teenagers. I don't agree with his example (being a virgin until they are out of high school) because that isn't what I would choose to teach, but that's a different point. Parents ought to enforce rules that are for the child's own good, not quail and run away at the first sign of any opposition.