Perhaps one of the most uncomfortable moments in any father’s life is preparing for “the talk” with their son. This is one of those issues that you do not want to wait on; it is better that your son hears about sex from you before anyone or anything else. They must understand just what they will be dealing with some of the consequences of teenage sex, such as teenage pregnancy and diseases. If you, as a father, procrastinate in sitting down with your son for a talk about sex, he will definitely learn about it from other sources, which may be less than reputable.
Teenagers tend to be more comfortable talking with the same gender parent about these kind of issues. This means that daughters are more likely to talk to their mothers before their fathers, and sons are more likely to talk to their fathers before their mothers. This means that you will at least have an easier time talking to your son about sex as a father. Your son may even approach you first before you approach him. He will have plenty of questions regarding just what sex is and what does it mean for a relationship with a girl. Answer these questions in a way that your son will understand; keep the language mature, yet simple.
You also want to stress the consequences of sex at an early age. Warn your son about the huge dangers of unprotected sex. Getting a teenage girl pregnant when neither of them is even slightly prepared to bring a child into the world is one of the dangers you should address. Sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS are another danger that should be brought to your son’s attention immediately when talking to him about sex.
Most adults tend to be uncomfortable when it comes to talking about sex, even with other adults, so it is no surprise that they are nearly scared to death talking about sex when it comes to their children. However, as a father it is highly important that you be “comfortable with being uncomfortable” when you prepare to talk to your son about sex. Also, the big talk about sex is not just a one time thing. Your son will continue to have questions about sex, and your duty as a father is to make sure those questions are answered appropriately. Tell your son about both the physical and emotional aspects of sex, and avoid going into a long winded lecture of what to do and what not to do.
“The big talk” can be one of the most uncomfortable and awkward moments between father and son in their lives. However, this conversation will have to happen eventually. Your son will learn about sex somehow, and if they learn about it from a mature and reliable source such as their father before hearing about it from anyone else, it will greatly lessen the chances of the son making a huge mistake when it comes to sexual activity.
