top of page

Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Growing Up and Staying Healthy

Your Voice Matters
Did you know that teens name parents as the biggest influence on their life choices?
Talking to your child about growing up, health, and relationships helps them make informed and confident decisions.
 
Most parents want to have these conversations with their tweens or teens, but they just don’t know how to get started. Explore this page for tips and resources.
Tips to Help You Get Ready to Talk
Embarrassed_Icon.png

Admit that you feel awkward.

It’s okay to feel unsure or uncomfortable at first. Being honest is a great way to open the door.

Talking About Big Topics Comfortably.

Tv_Icon.png

Use everyday moments to start the conversation.

Topics like friendships, boundaries, and growing up come up all the time—in music, shows, social media, or daily life. Use those moments to ask questions and listen to your child’s thoughts. You’ll learn a lot.

BigPicture_icon.png

Keep focused on the big picture.

The goal is open communication. Kids with strong, trusted relationships with adults are more likely to ask questions and seek help when they need it.

Parenting Tips: Keeping the Conversation Going

DeepBreath_icon.png

Take the pressure off.

Values_icon.png

Be clear about your own values.

Friendship_icon.png

It’s not only about physical health. 

You don’t need to cover everything in one talk. These conversations are more effective when they happen over time—bit by bit, in moments that feel natural.

If you have values around waiting or setting boundaries, share them openly. Help them by talking to them and building their self-esteem and confidence.  

"Talking About Sex, Helping Your Teenager Wait To Have Sex"

Talk to your child about how to be a good friend. The same things that make a friendship healthy -- like setting healthy boundaries -- apply to romantic relationships, too.  

MAKE YOUR EXPECTATIONS CLEAR

Get More Information
Where can your family access free STD testing and condoms in Baltimore City?

© 2016 UChoose
 

  • w-facebook
  • Twitter Clean
  • White Instagram Icon
  • White YouTube Icon

CONNECT​ WITH US:​​

CONTACT US

KnowWhatUWant.org was developed by the Baltimore City Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative with additional information provided by the Association of Reproductive Health ProfessionalsBedsiderThe National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, and Planned Parenthood. All birth control photography is property of bedsider.org and used with permission.

Know What U Want is a project of the Baltimore City Health Department and The Family League of Baltimore with the support of Planned Parenthood of Maryland, The Maryland Institute College of Art, New Lens, The Abell Foundation, The Straus Foundation, The David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation and The Henry and Ruth Blaustein Rosenberg Foundation.

Success! Message received.

bottom of page