1. By: ENGL101

2. Without proper sex education…
Teenagers and young adults would continue to inform themselves about sexual matters, whether it be through their peers, musical artists, or things they see on the media. However, sex education is a very touchy topic. Educating the youth about sex should always begin at home, the issue is that most parents are uncomfortable with talking about sex to their kids, so they limit what they tell them or they avoid that talk altogether. “In the history of the world, it has never been more imperative that children gain information about sex at an early age…we cannot prevent even young children from learning about the subject long before they need to” (LaHaye, 56). Therefore, rather than avoiding this sensitive topic, parents should be as open and as honest as they can. If not, the consequences can and will be dire. Avoidance paves the way for miscommunication and negative influences, which then results in their kids seeking answers from the wrong sources and eventually, carelessly engaging in risky sex. So, Dear Parents…

3. As a child, when they heard the word sex
I'm sure that they giggled and just shook their heads
    They were exposed to so much on tv
not really knowing what was not meant to see
    If they learned about sex the right way from you
do you think they’d grow up thinking sex is just cool?
    Sex education must begin at home
Provide them with knowledge that keeps them from harm
   They’re a bit grown up now, but the word sex still amuses.
In a different way, but they’re still young and clueless.
Sadly, they’re still a bit misled
with inaccurate things played out in their heads.

4. Don’t avoid it, please do better
because the youth today still fall under pressure.
Proper sex ed must begin with the parents,
Hopefully you’re honest and quite understanding.
 One last important thing to know is
that it really doesn't matter if they’re grown or a kid
   So please don’t let them self educate about sex
listen to us and tell them these steps 
  Always ask questions if you feel uncertain
don't be afraid, don't feel like a burden
  Your body is a temple deserving of care
against all the dangers that roam freely out there.

5. STDs and STIs, and then you’re left wondering who, when and why
  No matter your age
it is important to be aware 
You can be celibate, but unfortunately that’s rare.
So if you decide against abstaining, please stay protected
No complaining.
  Also know we are not trying to fill you with fear
we hope that you’re listening with wide, open ears.
  So do keep in mind this knowledge is crucial
it cannot be learned through friends or just Google.
That is all now parents, we hope that you listened,
Now please go sit and talk to your children.

6. The point is…
Parents need to know the importance of sex education beginning from home and how much it will greatly benefit their children as they mature through life. The fear of their children exploring their sexuality before they’re married is justified and will always be present, but they should not allow that to deny their child’s right to proper knowledge. Parents should know that they can be able to teach their kids about sex while also instilling a great sense of morality in them. “No one has greater influence with teenagers than the mothers and fathers who have raised them…Parents hold the key to responsible behavior” (Dobson, 59). There is no way to avoid exposure to sex, especially in this day of the media, therefore if parents want their children to exhibit responsibility and make smart decisions, the information about everything sex related should always begin with them, no matter how uncomfortable. “No one has a greater stake in the future happiness, success, and development of a child than his parents…That is why parents should be the sex educators of their own children” (LaHaye, 60)

7. Works Cited
LaHaye, Tim, and James C. Dobson. “Chapter 2: What Kind of Sex Education Is Appropriate for Teenagers?” Teenage Sexuality Opposing Viewpoints, Greenhaven Press, Christensen, M. Candace, et al. "'It's Awkward Stuff': Conversations about Sexuality with Young Children." Child & Family Social Work, vol. 22, no. 2, May 2017, pp EBSCOhost, doi: /cfs Stone, Nicole, et al. "‘Where Do Babies Come From?’ Barriers to Early Sexuality Communication between Parents and Young Children." Sex Education, vol. 13, no. 2, Mar. 2013, pp EBSCOhost, doi: /