Grades, tests, passing or failing, what about the sex talk, pass or fail.

I know I have said the S-word, sex. Don't flip-out. Yesterday I was talking to a friend who said her mother never explained sex or life or anything to do with physical stuff. Now, I know that I am a nurse and many of these topics are very familiar to me, but I am also a mother and I have a responsiblity to my children about their knowledge about the life facts. Facts of life. I remember the first conversation I had with both of my children. They were very young. We discussed body parts and the importance of their privacy and protection. I remember discussing the physical details just enough to displace false information. Now that I have two teenagers in the house, I must be aware of the pressures they face everyday with movies, clothes and choices. First, I believe we must be honest. Explain the difficult stuff in a safe, uninterrupted environment. Listen for feedback about their understanding or misconception of things. Teach that their bodies are special, a gift, not to misused or abused by anyone at anytime. Teach trust, so that you will listen, answer, find out, ask questions, all the while emphasizing your talk is based on the love you have for them. Teach safety and protection. I tell my daughter to show her standards, and how she expects to be treated by the way she chooses to dress and how she carrries herself. For my son, I have told him about the importance of setting the standard in relationships. Many girls are strong with the flirting and teasing. He needs to be aware of exactly what this stuff is, and how it affects his body. Encourage self-confidence and self-esteem through example. Sex is a beautiful part of a Godly union. It is the world and hollywood that have taken the sacredness out of it. I do not want my children learning from their peers, strangers or movie scenes. I want them to hear it from me. I saw a young girl leaving the school last year. I noticed she carried her coat in front of her books. As time went on, I saw why. She was pregnant. Young, shy, embarrassed. A child having a child. I wonder if she knew it only took one time? I wonder if she knew about diseases? I wonder if anyone took the time to tell her how special it is to be a young woman? I cannot protect my children or make their choices. I CAN take the time to inform them because I love them. I hope and pray they can take the test and pass it.