5. Remember it is almost impossible to talk about sex with a teen without someone present feeling embarrassed or looking uninterested. (Your sons hear what you are saying even if it doesn’t look like it). Teenagers usually are operating under a great deal of pressure from school and friends. You might remember some of that from your own teenage years. In the middle of all that pressure they are usually not able to say “Thanks Mom and Dad, that was really helpful.” Parents of teens have to keep trying in their child’s direction without much encouragement or appreciation. Unfortunately it just goes with territory.

6. Respect for women and girls is an important issue for everyone not just teenage boys. Movies, TV shows, music and advertising are often disrespectful of girls and women. It is only natural that these confusing images and ideas have most young boys struggling to figure out how to treat the girls they like. Surrounding your sons with men who treat women well is probably the best way to help them sort it all through. Your perspectives will be helpful, but seeing good role models will make a world of difference.

7 Be kind and understanding when you are talking to boys about women and sex. Remember to love your sons even if they get temporarily caught up in all the disrespectful messages that surround them.

I am glad to see this important question; it hopefully is on the minds of all parents of teens.