Parent/Teen Activities
Talking to your teen about your expectations is very important, but it is not enough. Studies (including the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health funded by the federal government) show that it is the overall relationship between parents and kids that makes all the difference. Teens who describe their relationship with their parents as "close" and who feel supported by their parents are more likely to abstain from sex, wait until they are older to begin having sex and have fewer sexual partners.
Spending time with your teen is one of the best ways to gain this kind of close relationship. The activities you do with your teen don't have to be elaborate, they can be as simple as making dinner together. Here are some other suggestions for activities to do with your teen:
Eat together.
Exercise or play sports as a family.
Have a family game night.
Read, watch TV or movies together.
Volunteer as a family.
Attend their sports/arts events.
Take a family vacation