October is National Let’s Talk Month
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LAKE COUNTY — Lake County Public Health wants to emphasize the importance of open lines of communication between parents and children, especially when the topic of sex arises (or needs to). October is National Let’s Talk Month. This national campaign began more than 20 years ago and promotes effective communication about sex and sexuality between young people and the adults they trust, especially their parents.
There are multiple reasons why teens get pregnant, but there remains just one “how.” A strong, close relationship between parents and children can be the best “protection” of all. Research continues to demonstrate that when young people clearly understand their family’s values concerning sexuality and relationships, they are more likely to avoid risky behavior.
Let’s Talk Month is an opportunity for us to make sure that parents and adults have the resources they need to talk with their children about sex and sexuality. It’s never too early to start or never too late to improve a relationship with a child or teenager.
We know that often parents are uncomfortable discussing sex and sexuality and Let’s Talk Month is an opportunity for them to be supported, ask questions and learn about the proven approaches to preventing pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS and the consequences of sexual involvement. It should not be a one-time talk about sexuality between parent and child, but a conversation that continues as children grow and mature.
The Lake County Public Health Department has staff and information on hand to help support the conversation. Please feel free to call or stop by with questions on how to get this very important conversation rolling.
Contact us at 406-883-7288 or online at www.lakecountypublichealth.org.
