From A Teenager's Point of View

Oh, wow.

I was totally gonna drop the whole sex education post because, well, I like to do a different post a day (unless it's a pre-discussed lengthy post telling a specific story), but I can't in all honesty drop this subject.

And it's all because of two teenagers.

When I left my neighbor's house yesterday, I still had only 15 comments on that post. I knew I might get a couple more from those that stay up late and don't get to catch up on their reading until late at night.

However, I did not expect to get two teenager's comments on this very post.

Parents, if you want to know how kids think, read the below comments.

For the record, I KNOW these two girls personally. They are level headed, smart, funny, pretty, popular girls who are seniors in high school.

One of them is family...not blood related, but we've been in each others lives for so long, I consider her like a cousin or even a little sister. The other girl is a friend of hers and I've known her for years as well.

I have not edited their comments. Please excuse any grammar mistakes. Both are such responsible hard-working girls (who know proper grammar and spelling), we can let this slide! ;)

Here's the first quote:

"OK.. maybe you want a teen's opinion on all this.... For all you readers out there, here's a 17 year old's opinion....

My mom never had "The talk" with me. One day she saw a very young pregnant girl and pointed to her and said "See that? That's what happens..." lol

I would just about DIE if she came up to me and talked to me about it. I am still a virgin, which is MY choice. I have many friends, however, that are not. That is there decision.

Kids are jumping into sex soo early now. If you decide to have "The Talk" with your kids, please do it EARLY!" Earlier than when they start to want it, but late enough so that they could grasp the importance of the subject!

Parents, sorry but the hormones will win. They won't listen to you if you tell them to wait. All you can do is to do your part by stressing how important protection is. Mistakes will happen but, there are ways to try and prevent those mistakes these days (Like birth control!) Mothers, don't freak out if your daughter comes up to you asking for birth control. Take it is an act of responsibility!"

And the other quote:

"Here's another seventeen year-olds opinion...i also never had "the talk" i have two older siblings and by the time i was 6 i knew all about the birds and the bees between my 13 year-old brother and his friends nothing was left to the imagination...

Whatever questions i did have were answered fully none of the "what a kid can handle" bit, i got the full story...being as informed as i was i knew that sex was a very large step and you shoulnt do it until you feel you can raise a child...

i am also a virgin by my own choice...my mom always told me to wait until i was at least a senior in high-school to even consider doing "the deed" and that i did! now as a senior i know I WANT to wait until i find love...not until im married but until i find someone that when im telling my daughter how old i was and who it was with it will be someone i can truly say i'll never forget...

i know many people my age girls and boys who have had sex and they admit that they really regret it and that they just did it b/c they didnt think about the possible consiquinces...So no i dont think you should tell them to wait til marriage, and i agree with v make sure they know the facts don't have "the talk" persay but have an open heart about the situation. You've apparntly done it and it's not a death sentence!"

I'm not gonna analyze these comments or break them down. I think they should stand as they are and take them for face value.

I personally feel that they have some good advice for us parents.

Girls, I just want to say how proud I am of both of you and that getting comments from you two are the highlight of my days. Both of you are strong, smart, beautiful, funny young women and I am proud and honored to know both of you and have both of you in my life.

Please, if you have anything positive to say in response to these girls, just post a comment and I promise you, they will read this (and your comments). I know that both of them are regular readers of mine.

However, if you have anything negative to say, if you really feel you need to get it off your chest, please e-mail me direct instead of saying anything in the comments section. Remember, they ARE just 17. Also, I'll personally track you down and kick your ass!

Later,

Sex Education

So, with all this political BS that's been going on, I've read several blogs where they talk about the candidates "stand" on sex education.

Now, before you guys think, "OMG, is this another political post?"....um....no.

That's just what made me think about sex education.

When I was growing up, I never had the "TALK" with my mom. She never sat me down and went over details and feelings and morality and all that crap.

I learned by reading books (not just smut books but real, honest to God, science books) and talking to my friends and taking a health class my freshman year in high school.

I actually had a good understanding of what it was (technically) but the emotional aspect of it was a little...vague. However, if you've never done it, it's hard to describe. At least, to a teen, it's hard to describe.

I'm getting off point.

I've been reading where people are saying that they are going to teach their kids that it's better to wait til marriage but at the same time, arm them with the information and, yes, protection in case the kids decide to go ahead.

This brought up a question in my mind.What if you don't want to get married?

If you truly want your kids to wait until they get married to have sex, do you mean to say that you really, really, really want them to wait til then? Or just until they're able to responsibly take care of a baby that "accidentally" comes?

'Cause, if you really, really, really mean for them to wait...don't you think that's unfair to your kid? If they are the types of kids that really do what their parents tell them (I know, I know, pipe dreams), you might be condemning them to a life of virginity.

How is this fair? And, how is this fair to the kid for you to put the pressure of living up to your expectations on them?

I know, I know, it's ridiculous to think this because most people, they have sex once they reach adulthood...no matter what their parents say.

But, it's still something to think about.

And, another point, what if your kid is gay? And gay marriages are/have been abolished? (yes, yes, I know, it's not legal in every state....I don't feel like you guys are the types of readers who would make me point out EVERY SINGLE detail that may or may not need clarification)

Again, same dilemma.

And, not only that, but did you wait til you were married? No? If not, do you really feel good about telling your kid to wait until their married when you didn't do that yourself? Wouldn't you feel hypocritical?

I've already had the talk with light of my life. She asked me when she was about 6.

I went over the details with her. The technical details. I didn't go into details like the different kinds of sex. I just went over the basic man/woman sexual intercourse.

I also made the decision to tell her that she needed to wait until she could responsibly take care of a baby on her own (or with a partner if she chooses).

I don't want to put the pressure of marriage on her. I don't think marriage is for everyone and I sure as hell don't want to lead her down a path that's not her own.

I know this is all disjointed and rambling, but it was something that came up while reading other blogs.

What do you think? What are you planning on telling your kid(s)? When are you planning on telling your kid(s)?

And remember, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Or I'll tell your mama.

Later,