For the Love of Kids 2006 Practical Parenting Conference

Mary Reed

WORKSHOP TITLE: The Big Sex Talk: How to talk to your pre-teen and teen about sex

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW: Parents are still the single most influential factor affecting teen sexual decision-making. Our sexually saturated society does not allow parents the option of not talking to their children about sex. Today’s youth receive daily messages from TV, movies, music and the internet encouraging them to have sex. Yet a recent poll showed over 71% of sexually active teens wished they had waited. This workshop will provide up-to-date, medically accurate information and materials to equip parents to understand the sexual pressures facing today’s youth and the emotional and physical consequences of sexual activity. The session also includes 10 steps you can take to protect your child’s health and future by empowering them to choose wisely, choose abstinence. 

Mary Reed has been working with New HopeCenter teaching sexual health and abstinence to middle school and high school students and their parents for the past four years.  She has spoken at numerous parent seminars and was the keynote speaker at the Kentucky Teen Pregnancy Coalition Conference in 2004.  Along with her degree in education, she has 16 years teaching experience. Mary currently resides in Florence with her husband of 22 years and their three children.