October is Let’s Talk Month

    Let’s Talk Month is an opportunity for parents and children to learn to communicate in an open and honest manner about sexuality and other sensitive issues that can help young people delay pregnancy and avoid sexually-transmitted diseases. Research shows that adolescents prefer their parents as sexuality educators, and young people want and need more information, guidance and open discussions.
    While a community-wide response is essential to reduce teen pregnancy and sexually-transmitted disease rates, families play a vital role in helping young people make healthy decisions about their sexuality. Most parents want to share their values and provide their children with accurate information about sexuality. But often, parents, and other adults, feel uncomfortable discussing sexuality and need information and ideas to start meaningful conversations.
    Advocates for Youth is a national organization dedicated to helping young people prevent pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases so that adolescents have the best opportunity for healthy and productive futures. This organization coordinates national Let’s Talk Month.
    To receive information about how to talk with your child about sexuality issues, contact Wendy Page, community education specialist, Aroostook County Action Program, at 768-3056 ext. 633.
    ACAP provides the people of Aroostook with services and programs in the areas of health, nutrition, child and family, energy and housing, and employment and training, and, as a leader or in partnership with others, provides guidance to the community in responding to emerging human needs.