Start by acknowledging that no matter what you do, your teen ultimately decides when he or she will have sex. Parents who accept this, and act as advisers, tend to have more influence than those who try to exert too much control.
Explain in detail why you think waiting is better. Remember, “because I say so” isn’t a rational argument.
Keep track of where your kids are by checking in on them occasionally during the day; most first encounters happen at home in the afternoon when parents are at work.
Spend time with your teen. Kids who feel close to their parents wait longer to have sex and are more likely to use protection.
According to Richardson, 88 percent of girls who take an abstinence pledge break it. If you think your child is likely to have sex, consider making contraception available.
