From the current situation, it is found that Thai teenagers have sexual intercourse prematurely and have unprotected sex, which results in problems such as teenage pregnancy, abortion, and sexually transmitted diseases, with an increasing trend.
Because adolescents are at an age of physical, mental, and social changes in all dimensions, they have increasing needs for self-reliance. Some teenagers experience emotional imbalance.
They cannot adapt to the changes that occur, which leads to conflicts or misunderstandings within the family.
In addition, it is found that teenagers lack communication between themselves and family members because they think that sex is a topic that cannot be openly discussed or communicated like other topics. There are few words used to communicate about sex.
Or they often think that these words are vulgar, making them uncomfortable in communication, and there are obstacles related to discomfort in discussing sex, which is considered a topic only for adults.
If this is not understood and addressed, it may lead to risks of the aforementioned problems, resulting in teenagers seeking answers on their own from various sources.
Such as print media, television, and the internet, causing ambiguity and misunderstandings, which will lead to inappropriate and unsafe sexual behavior among teenagers.
Talking about Sex with Parents
Parents are considered to build relationships between children and parents. Appropriate communication helps foster self-esteem. Conversely, if negative communication is always received, it causes dissatisfaction, resentment, and lack of cooperation with admonitions.
Sometimes there is resistance or attention-seeking from others instead, which may lead to problems such as running away from home or having sex during school. Therefore, the starting point of talking about sex with parents should begin with positive communication as a form
and creative communication techniques that create good feelings, good relationships, understanding, motivation to cooperate, acceptance, and behavioral change.
Techniques for Teenagers Who Need to Communicate with Parents
Suitable for teenagers who need to communicate with parents and often have problems talking to bring about behavioral change. The following techniques can be used to improve communication effectiveness with parents.
Adjusting Your Own Attitude
Adjust your own attitude first by preparing yourself to be ready that sex is a part of life from birth to death and develops naturally at each stage of life and is not shameful at all.
Believe that sex is just a part of life, and teenagers can talk and consult with parents by opening their minds and being ready to listen.
For example, curiosity or interest in feelings of love, wanting closeness, menstruation, worries about body shape and proportions. Sex is therefore a necessary topic to learn to know how to take care of oneself and live with others in society.
Watch for the Right Time to Talk
Watch for the right moment when it is appropriate to talk with parents. Use current events as a topic for discussion, such as discussing situations from the news
or dramas to exchange views. Avoid consulting when parents come home irritated or upset from work.
Keep parents informed about your physical development. It can be seen that teenagers undergo changes both physically and mentally and often distance themselves from parents, but still need attention from them.
Therefore, communication and consultation about development or physical changes are very important to help parents understand their children better.
Vocabulary to Use When Talking with Parents
Choose normal vocabulary when talking with parents about sex education. Use words that parents can easily understand because teenagers nowadays often have their own slang.
If slang is used, communication with parents may be distorted and misunderstood. Poor communication methods
such as blaming or accusing the other party often lead to arguments rather than understanding. Therefore, communication principles that promote good relationships should start by expressing one’s own feelings and needs first.
Summary: Conversation about Resolving Family Conflicts
The key point is to foster a good attitude in communication with the family. When parents guide, what they do is try to lead their children to the right path because parents have experience and know what is good or bad. Sometimes they may force because they see their children heading the wrong way.
But children do not understand the reasons because they lack experience and do not listen, trying to go their own way. The differing perspectives lead to different opinions and decisions. Therefore, giving opportunities to change roles will help increase mutual understanding.
