Brigitte Nielsen on Teens and Sex
Submitted by Editor
I think that it's really important for parents who have teenagers to talk to their kids about sex and prevention, and I think they should start early. Don't wait until your kid calls you or comes home to tell you that she's pregnant.
I started talking to my boys about sex when they were about 13. I'd ask them, "Do you have girlfriends? Do you kiss? Are you actually fooling around?" We'd just start talking about it. I told them that if they are active, then they need to use birth control—condoms or whatever. I also answered all of their questions and told them stories of my own. I wanted them to know I'm open and honest about these things. I don't want them to think sex or other uncomfortable topics are off-limits. Nothing is off-limits to me.
I know some people don't think it's good to be so open, but it's 2009! I understand that people want to be protective, but if we don't bring it up at home, they're going to hear about it walking to school, on the bus, on the phone or in a text from their friend, on TV, in movies, on music videos, etc. Society today is so sex-oriented. Sex is everywhere! And these days, kids are so clever and so quick and they grow up so fast. Kids know a lot more than you think they know. I can't believe some of the things my kids know about sex. It's crazy. They get it.
The less we, as parents, talk about it, the less our kids will be able to deal with it. You need to be open with your kids, especially if you want your kids to be open with you and trust you. The last thing a parent of a teen wants is for their kids to hide things from them—it's just not good. You don't have to be as pushy or as graphic as I am, but I do believe it's the parents' responsibility to see that their kids are informed. Being open with your kids and talking to them about sex is way better and easier than having a grandchild when you're 35 years old!
Besides being a mom, Brigitte Nielsen is a Danish actress best known for her roles in films like Rocky IV and her appearances on the reality TV shows Flavor of Love and Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew.
I know some people don't think it's good to be so open, but it's 2009! I understand that people want to be protective, but if we don't bring it up at home, they're going to hear about it walking to school, on the bus, on the phone or in a text from their friend, on TV, in movies, on music videos, etc. Society today is so sex-oriented. Sex is everywhere! And these days, kids are so clever and so quick and they grow up so fast. Kids know a lot more than you think they know. I can't believe some of the things my kids know about sex. It's crazy. They get it.
The less we, as parents, talk about it, the less our kids will be able to deal with it. You need to be open with your kids, especially if you want your kids to be open with you and trust you. The last thing a parent of a teen wants is for their kids to hide things from them—it's just not good. You don't have to be as pushy or as graphic as I am, but I do believe it's the parents' responsibility to see that their kids are informed. Being open with your kids and talking to them about sex is way better and easier than having a grandchild when you're 35 years old!
Besides being a mom, Brigitte Nielsen is a Danish actress best known for her roles in films like Rocky IV and her appearances on the reality TV shows Flavor of Love and Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew.
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