Who's talking to your kids about sex?

As a father of 2 teen age girls, I read with interest Margaret Talbot's article in the 11.3 New Yorker, Red Sex, Blue Sex.  I had an epiphany last year when my 20ish niece shared with me that the only male who was in conversation with her was her boyfriend.  I decided to have conversations with my daughters because I wanted a more diverse opinion set available to them.  Ms. Talbot's article is fuel for the conversations.  Take a look at some of the variables that lead to teen sex and the inevitable teen pregnancy.  Abstinence campaigns in schools, for example, seem to be successful until too many youngsters take the pledge and then it seems to have an opposite effect.  As long as they are the embattled minority, they are inspired to remain celibate, but once they lost that identity, it's "Sodom and Gomorrah".  One interesting indicator seems to have to do with the ambition of the child.  Most youngsters most likely to refrain for intercourse felt like the risk of losing potential career opportunities or secondary education too great.  Also important: how embedded the youngster is in a network of friends, family, and institutions that reinforce his or her goal of delaying sex, and that offer a plausible alternative to America's sexed-up consumer community.  

Studies cited in the article indicate that how well you understand your child, pay attention to their concerns, and have fun with them are more likely to delay intercourse.

Do you understand your kids?  How bright would they say their future is?  When is the last time you had fun with your kids?  It might make the difference in how they will live the rest of their lives.