quick clicks

iparenting canada articles

iparenting canada q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

What Mothers and Daughters Should Know About Birth Control

By Carma Haley

"Latex condoms are not impervious to everything," Carrozza says. "They are not 100 percent. Nothing is 100 percent, which is why abstinence is still so important. It's best to be sure that it is a condom that is approved by the FDA. There are tons of novelty condoms out there but none are approved and will not offer the protection against pregnancy or STDs. The easiest way to know that the condom that is approved by the FDA is to look for an expiration date and a lot control number. Only use a condom within the expiration date and use it properly."

To make the task of discussing sex with their teen easier, parents should educate themselves and keep up to date with new methods of contraception and protection. An educated parent is more likely to have the answers that their child needs and wants. Also, it's probably a good idea to tell a child "I don't know" when that's the case. "Providing an atmosphere where children can gain knowledge is important," Carrozza says. "Offer a place where a child knows they can come and ask questions and even if a parent doesn't know, the parent will help them get the answers they need and want. Keeping the lines of communication open is another aspect that is important. Talk about their body, talk about protection, talk about their choices and offer them the possibilities, ramifications and consequences for the situations they are considering. But most importantly talk, don't preach."