As people grow from their childhood into their teenage years, their bodies go through various changes. The teenage years are a time when many young people discover their sexuality. They go through uncountable emotions and feelings. At this stage, teaching kids about sex is important for their mental stability and personal growth.
During the teenage years, you witness a mix of emotions and feelings which are new and bizarre. It includes attraction on all different levels not just who you have sex with. Being a common part of teenage life, this phase can be perplexing for young people and their families as well. In the course of the adolescent years, you go through hormonal and physical changes of puberty which means that people notice an increase in sexual feelings within themselves.
Understanding Teenage Sexual Behaviour
It is natural for teenagers to experiment with their sexuality at some stage of their lives. During these years the sexual urge and sex drive become extremely powerful. But not all teenage relations include sex. Craving intimacy and love among teenagers is yet another recurring thing among teenagers.
While teenagers explore their sexual interests and are curious to know about adult behaviour, teaching modesty to them is equally essential. Throughout this emotional turmoil, making them understand modesty is as important as finding their identity.
With emotional and social maturity, at this tender age, teenagers might want romantic intimacy and ways to express love and affection. Sexual attraction among teenagers varies from person to person. Some teenagers might get attracted to people of the same sex and some are bisexual. While some teenagers are attracted to the same sex and others might not express any sexual interest.
Difference Between Sexual Attraction and Sexual Identity
The sexual attraction is very different from sexual identity. Young people who are in the process of identifying their sexual identity may or may not be attracted towards the same sex. Even if they are attracted towards the same sex, they are not identified as gay, lesbians or bisexuals. They might identify as heterosexual or pansexual.
Trying meticulously to find your identity and worrying about where you “fit in” can be a challenging time for teenagers. It can also lead to severe depression and anxiety, distress and a sense of isolation.
Being a parent, it is important for you to help your child tackle these newfound feelings and guide them through them.
By recognising these signs in your child, you can be sure that something is up, and they may need your help:
• Losing interest in the usual activities
• Being withdrawn from others
• The constant feeling of exhaustion and disturbed sleep
• Changes in behaviour like being irritable and moody
• Expressing feelings of worry and hopelessness
• Physical symptoms of headache or stomach ache
Tackling your child with love and understanding is ideal under these circumstances. Since their body is tender and going through a lot of physical and emotional changes which is why being patient and constantly making them feel loved is the best thing to do.
Talking With Your Child About Sexuality
‘Sex’ is considered the biggest taboo all over the world. People avoid this topic as much as possible. In the modern era, people are breaking the stereotypes and prompting the ‘sex talk’ more. In order to increase awareness, it is important to make people understand the concept of attraction from an early age itself.
Have a look at some ideas and strategies to make it easier to talk with your child about sexuality.
Start Conversations Early
Light conversations about sexuality with your child from a young age can help them form an opinion. Sex and sexuality are a normal part of life and early conversations can help make the later ones easier.
Be Prepared
Be prepared to answer all sorts of questions. Your child might ask weird questions about sex. It is advisable to brush up on your understanding of puberty, contraception, periods, masturbation, wet dreams and more.
Final Words!
Attraction to teens is a very natural and common thing among teenagers. Teaching them about sex and sexual orientation is essential for their better understanding. Chelom Leavitt is a website that provides you information and answers all your questions related to sexuality, mindfulness, teaching your kids about sex, women’s sexuality, couple’s relationships and much more.
