A father recently shared his approach to discussing sex with his teenage children on Reddit, and it’s been receiving a lot of positive attention. In an era when merely advocating for abstinence without providing practical information is seen as outdated, this dad has taken a progressive stance, offering a wealth of sex-positive advice to his two teens.
Reddit user t-away-man opened up a dialogue with his kids about sex, setting clear expectations for when they might choose to become sexually active. He defined “ready” in several thoughtful ways:
- Openness: They should feel mature enough to talk about their sexual activity with him and their mom. If they can’t discuss it openly, they aren’t ready.
- Trust: They need to be mature enough to build trust with their partners. He advised taking things slowly—starting with holding hands and talking, before progressing to kissing and touching. This helps foster genuine affection rather than mere infatuation or lust (which, while valid, isn’t the best foundation for major life decisions).
- Safety: Understanding the importance of condoms and other safe practices is crucial.
- Appropriate Settings: He humorously suggested they avoid “creepy” places like school stairwells. Instead, he encouraged them to use their own bedrooms, which come with doors that lock, allowing for a safe and private environment.
In a follow-up post, he addressed concerns from other users about his 13-year-old potentially being too young for sexual activity. His response was insightful: “Children are individuals with rights, including the right to be treated fairly. There can’t be a blanket age limit; maturity and circumstances matter. It’s essential to provide them with guidelines well before they need to make such decisions so they can feel at ease when the time comes.”
This dad offers a model that many parents might want to emulate when tackling the awkward but necessary conversation about sex with their kids. It’s essential to introduce these discussions long before you think your child might become sexually active, ensuring they have the knowledge and framework to make responsible choices. As some teens on Reddit pointed out, they wished they had received such guidance during their own formative years. This father’s candid approach has inspired me to rethink how I will prepare my own children for the choices they’ll face in the future.
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In summary, this father’s approach to the sex talk is refreshingly open and insightful, emphasizing maturity, communication, and safety. He encourages a supportive environment where his children can explore their sexuality responsibly.