Adolescent sexuality and the family

The pediatrician is in an excellent position to provide anticipatory guidance to parents in their attempts to cope with their teenagers' sexuality. The primary approach is early recognition of the child as a "sexual" being. Encouragement of dialogue between parent and child about many issues, including sexuality, appears to be the most natural course. Age-appropriate publications can be used along with parent discussions (not as a substitute for discussion). By the time the child reaches adolescence, a parent should have taken as much opportunity as was given to provide the basis for reasonable decision-making by the adolescent. The parent may offer support and guidance in decision-making, but often finds that dogmatic, obedience-centered dictates fall on deaf ears. Handling one's sexuality is a part of the normative process in attaining adulthood. Adolescents who are developmentally competent should be given full support in taking responsibility for their own sexual behavior. This includes consenting for one's own care when appropriate. A developmental perspective in consideration of the needs of parents and teens provides the framework for the pediatrician to be a resource for both.