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WHAT FAMILIES NEED TO DO TO RAISE SEXUALLY HEALTHY TEENS
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Have the capacity to learn about intimate, loving, long-term relationships.Recognize the impact various media have on cultural views about sex.Have a clear understanding of pregnancy and of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.Recognize the components of healthy and unhealthy relationships.
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Choose to express their sexuality in ways that may or may not include shared sexual behaviors.Understand that they are sexual and understand the options and consequences of sexual expression.Begin to place less value on appearance and more on personality.Understand their own feelings and have the ability to analyze why they feel a certain way.Have the capacity to develop long-lasting, mutual, and healthy relationships, if they have the foundations for this development-trust, positive past experiences, and an understanding of love.Learn to drive, increasing their independence.Seek increased power over their own lives.Develop increasingly mature relationships with friends and family.Respond to media messages but develop increasing ability to analyze those messages.Continue to be influenced by peers (The power of peer pressure lessens after early adolescence.).Attain cognitive maturity-the ability to make decisions based on knowledge of options and their consequences.Reach nearly their adult height, especially females (males continue to grow taller into their early twenties.).Complete puberty and the physical transition from childhood to adulthood.Note: When we use the words “males” and “females” and “boys” and “girls,” we are referring to those who are assigned male or female at birth and have corresponding body parts, independent of gender identity. When concerns arise about a specific child’s development, parents or other caregivers should consult a doctor or other child development professional. However, each child is an individual and may reach these stages of development earlier or later than other children the same age. The following developmental guidelines apply to most children in this age group. Each stage of development encompasses specific markers. Adults have a responsibility to help children understand and accept their evolving sexuality. Just as it is important to enhance a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive growth, so it is important to lay foundations for a child’s sexual growth. Infants, children, teens, and adults are sexual beings. Throughout the process, each person develops attitudes and values that guide choices, relationships, and understanding. In the early stages of life- from babyhood to childhood, childhood to adolescence, and adolescence to adulthood-enormous changes take place. Human development is a lifelong process of physical, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional growth and change.