Initiating the teen in the areas of sexual awareness is best done by the parents because they have the complete confidence of the child. The following tips can be helpful to promote an effective way of exposing your young one to the subject of sex.

Talk with your teen early and often – It is advisable to develop a bond between your children as a friend. Try sharing their common interests like toys and movie stars before they even venture into boys or romance. Building this open communication line is essential so that when the time comes for you to talk about matters involving sex, it will not sound abrupt or awkward but something that is matter of fact and natural.

Talk to your teen honestly about love, sex, and relationships – You can begin by telling your own experiences on the subject when you were at their age. Share your own inconsistencies and lessons learned. Spice it up with humor and factual information on sexual education and responsibility for making decisions regarding boyfriend-girlfriend relationships. Tell them what to look out for and what to avoid, as well as what to expect and how to address their feelings.

Listen carefully – Your teen is crossing that delicate threshold of adulthood and it is essential for you to listen to their developing maturity. They have their own opinions formed and it is best to listen and not to totally disregard everything that they say as foolishness of youth. Learn to listen, and they will do the same to you as well. Remember that respect is earned not demanded.

Show to your teen what good, responsible relationships look like. It is a saying that one should practice what one preaches. The best teaching aid is a practical example. If your teens do not see an example of an ideal relationship between you and your spouse chances are, your suggestions into their line of choices won’t hold water.

Help your teenagers to have options for the future – Preoccupations with the opposite sex usually takes a back seat to a teen who has a dream for herself. Teach your children to carry a vision and pursue it more than the amoral affections of others.

Use rules and curfews – It won’t hurt to set standards and preventions because it gives the impression of responsibility to their actions. Total freedom is disastrous to a teen that is irresponsible and immature. Give them set guidelines to abide and follow and you limit their options to commit mistakes.

Know your children's friends and their families – The peer group is very influential to the emotional and developmental maturity of your teen. Get to know their friends and you develop an added perspective as to who they are and the person that they are when they are with their group.

Discourage early steady dating – Introduce the subject of dating as a responsibility that needs to be decided with care and not as an activity for thrills. The emotional roller coaster that follows with having a steady date is something that they should enter only when fully aware of the consequences that it entails.