PARENTS
"Sex sells!" Today’s culture tells our teens that sex anywhere, anytime, with anybody, is desirable and that there are no negative repercussions. This, of course, is far from reality. Consider the following facts:
- There are approximately 20 million new STIs in the U.S. annually and 50% are in people aged 15 to 24. [i]
- Bacterial STIs may cause life-threatening cases of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Herpes, an incurable viral STI, may be passed on to sexual partners even when asymptomatic. HPV is found among 90 percent of sexually active young adults and teens. While often self-limited, HPV has high-risk strains that may persist for life and cause cancer of the cervix.[ii]
- Nearly two-thirds of teens who had sex wish they had waited.[iii]
- Adolescent sexual activity has been acknowledged as an independent risk factor for developing low self-esteem, major depression, and attempting suicide.[iv]
However, there is good news!
Did you realize that PARENTS are the greatest influence on teen sexual-decision making?
National studies of teens aged 12-19 have shown that for years. Isn’t that encouraging? Yet for many parents, the thought of talking to their teen about sex leaves them with a dry mouth, sweaty palms and feeling downright nauseous. If this is how you feel, you are not alone…..but we can help. MFI’s powerful parent workshops are designed to help parents make the most of their unique position of influence in protecting their teens.
Click here to view our Student Programs.
PARENT WORKSHOPS
Maximum Freedom, Inc. strongly believes that you, as parents, are the primary source of sex education for your child. With that in mind, we also know that you appreciate tools that can equip and empower you to guide your teen. Our parent workshops are packed with vital information, practical suggestions, and resources. They would be ideal for a book group, parent group, school or community organization.
You will leave with:
- increased knowledge of the medical and emotional risks of teen sex
- compelling recent neuroscience information about the teen brain and the chemical bonding that can occur during sexual activity
- specific strategies for being a “connected parent”
- confidence in your ability to initiate meaningful discussions about this subject
- ideas for communicating your family values and delivering a clear message
about teen sex
- suggestions for ways to utilize the media as a springboard for dialog
- numerous resources for additional help and information about teen sex
- opportunities for your specific questions to be answered
Workshops equipping parents of elementary children are available as well. If you are interested in having us present a parent workshop at your school, small group or organization, please email us at: office@maximumfreedom.org for more information.
ADDITIONAL PARENT RESOURCES
Listed below are some websites that provide helpful information to you as parents. More resources, including additional websites as well as book suggestions, are provided for those who attend our parent workshops.
Medical Institute For Sexual Health
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus
The National Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Adolescent's Wellbeing During COVID-19
What parents are Saying about mfi
Parent of a Middle School Student, Clermont County - "Thank you for providing good accurate facts, so our children can now make good sound choices about not having sex. They can proceed with their dreams without interruptions."
"In today's world, the information from this parent program cannot and should not be missed! Thank you, thank you. This was absolutely great!"
- Parent of a High School student.