Respond To 2 Diifferent Posts, *100 words each* Academic Help

I’m stuck on a Sociology question and need an explanation.

POST 1: One of the things that got my attention on this module, is about who influences our sexual behavior. This topic was very interesting for me because I have three children; two teenage boys 17 and 12 years old, and a 10 years old girl. One of the data that surprised me is that most of the teenagers don’t talk with their parents about sexuality. Data says, that even though, 97% of teenagers by the age of 18 have some knowledge of sexual education, the information is not provided by their parents. In addition, I learned that teenagers talk with parents more about sexually transmitted infections and how to prevent HIV. In addition, peers and sibling influence teenagers. The influence of peers of siblings can be helpful on some occasions, for example, older siblings can make a good impact on younger siblings when talking about their sexuality. Instead of prohibiting sex, older siblings can give good advice to the younger ones about safe sex, especially to boys.

Also, religion influences sexual behavior. For instance, I didn’t know that Evangelical students considered themselves virgins although they had oral or anal sex; they don’t consider it as “real sex”. Data shows, that 80% of teenagers who identify themselves as Evangelical or born-again Christians said that sex should be saved for marriage when for other religions teenagers lose their virginity at a younger age. All these facts made me feel related to the information. I considered this information very useful. As a mother of teenagers, I realized that this is information is true because I have done some of the things that were mentioned. I have always been very open with my children when talking about sex, however, as the texts mention I have always made emphasis about STD, safe sex or abstinence. Certainly, my perspective changed a lot after learning all these facts.

POST 2: The topic that interested me the most was “Who Influences Our Sexual Behavior: Family and Friends” because I think it is very important for us as parent teach our children about sex and sexuality. If they don’t learn it form us, then they will learn about it from somewhere else, and an opportunity to influence family values may be missed and most likely they will be misinformed.

I remember growing and not knowing nothing about sex because for my parents and family it was almost a sin to talk about it, so I obtained that wrong information from my high school friends and I don’t think it was the best option. Since that happened to me, I didn’t want my three girls to go with their friends and ask about sex. I wanted to be the one educating them in this topic. I wanted them to know about sex, birth control and Protection so they are aware and learn how to protect themselves.

Beginning a conversation with our children is not easy, but we have to make sure that the information we are providing to them is according to their age and for that I researched a lot, I saw a lot of videos and I also read some books. This way, it was easier for me and less uncomfortable to talk to them about this crucial topic. We just have to wait for the perfect moment to have this conversation. These conversations are easiest when they come out of a life experience, like seeing a pregnant woman. When we talk with our children about sex, they can make sure that they are getting the right information. We should be our children first source of information about sex. Understanding correct information can protect children from risky behavior as they grow up ad live their lives.

Having open communications with children about sex and other matters is healthy and safer for them. This does not mean that it will be easy or without awkward moments. Teens are still very private and especially to parents. However, speaking about sex increases the chance that our children will approach parents when difficult or dangerous things come up.

No matter how painful or shameful it is for us to talk to our kids about sex, doing so, and making sure they get the right information will keep them safer.