Top 10 Parent Tips
1) Don’t wait until they ask questions.
2) Share your thoughts & values. Express that loving relationships are the best part of intimacy.
3) Start early.
4) Reassure your kids that they can talk to you about anything. Then you have to be open, so they aren’t afraid to tell you something later.
5) Listen.
6) Coach them on how to get out of risky situations & let them know you’d rather them ask for help then not ask, because they think you’ll be mad.
7) Use teachable moments to start a conversation.
8) Be an example.
9) Stay involved, even through their “I’m too cool for family” stage.
10) Find an adult that you trust to talk to your teenager if they are too uncomfortable to talk to you.
Parents Speak Up National Campaign
The Parents Speak Up National Campaign (PSUNC) is an education campaign sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services.
Their goal is to encourage parents & guardians of preteens (9-12 year-olds) to talk with their children about sexuality.
Parents, more than the media or peers, have the greatest influence on young people’s decisions about sex, but many parents feel uncomfortable talking about this tough topic.
PSUNC was developed to give parents the resources & confidence to effectively communicate with their children about sexual issues.
Their campaign includes TV, radio, print & online advertising. A major element of their campaign is working with community & member-based organizations that either work directly with parents or work on issues related to teen sex.
There are numerous handouts and resources for parents. At the cornerstone of their campaign is their Ready to Talk train-the-trainer education kit. The kit includes a DVD with videos for organizations and parents, a leader manual, campaign PSAs & multiple handouts for parents.
All of the campaign resources are free, and many are available in both English & en Español.
Click here to visit PSUNC’s web site to learn more about the Campaign.
The Parenting Network's Parent Helpline
Do you need help? It's only a call away: The Parent Helpline is a confidential, 24 hour phone line that provides counseling for parents & child caregivers.
Counselors will listen, share information, give encouragement & offer parenting techniques, child development information and referrals to a wide range of community resources.
Experienced counselors respond to calls weekdays 8:30 am - 9:00 pm. 211 Impact staff respond to calls on weekends & weekdays after 9:00 pm. A Parent Helpline Counselor is always on-call for crisis situations.
Call: 414-671-0566 or email: HelplineCounselor@theparentingnetwork.org
Upcoming Events at The Parenting Network
6:30-8:15pm, Tuesdays, February 23-March 30
Becoming a Love & Logic Parent
A 6-week parent education program
9:30-11am, Wednesdays, February 24-April 28
Welcome, Baby!
An education & support group for expectant and new parents.
1-3:30pm Saturday, March 6
Love & Logic Revisited!
A 2.5 hour refresher workshop for parents & caregivers who have completed the 6-week Becoming a Love & Logic series.
Coming soon:
As One
A healthy relationship program for unmarried couples who are expecting or parenting an infant. Classes will begin this spring.
Darkness to Light: The Stewards of Children program
A revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize & react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. TBA
For more information on these offerings contact:
The Parenting Network
7516 West Burleigh Street
Milwaukee, WI 53210-1030
Phone: 414-671-5575
Fax: 414-671-1750
email: info@theparentingnetwork.org
Click here to check out our other parent page.
You'll find more information with Parent Tips on talking to your kids about tough issues like sex & technology, plus find support & learning opportunities from community organizations that are there to help parents just like you!