Time Out

I was going to make my second post about life after caregiving, but I saw an article at CNN.com which made me change my mind. I am not the most political person, but I do occasionally watch the news or get bored with work and check out the news on the web. The article I am referring to http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/30/galanos.plan.b/index.html talks about Plan B and the fact that 17 year olds can get it without a doctor's prescription or permission of their parents.

Mike Galanso asks what is to prevent a 17 year old from buying Plan B and giving it to a 15 year old. First, I want to know any 17 year old who doesn't have an 18 year old friend or a fake ID. 18 year olds are of age and can get Plan B. What is to prevent them from buying it and giving it to their 12 year old sister, if you want to go that route?

The author also states that "Here's some perspective for you: In most states, minors can't get a tattoo, body piercings or go to a tanning salon without a parent's permission...". OK, in order for a 17 year old to get a tattoo, piercing, or tan, they physically have to be present. They don't have to be in the store in order to have someone buy them Plan B.

He does bring up one good point, Plan B is more powerful than the birth control pill, which in all states a doctor's prescription is necessary and most states will not allow a 17 year old to get it without their parents permission.

But the big point he is missing is that parents should be more open to listening to their children. It begins when they are small and should not stop just because they are teenagers and slam the door in your face. The parents must let them know that they can come and talk to them. They have to learn not to be judgemental. I know that this is not always easy. Everyone has their opinion, but when it comes to your children, your opinion doesn't always have to play a role. Just listen to what they are saying sometimes. Let their opinion be the one that counts and make them feel like they have a say in their lives and not just living the lives that you wish you had lived. Once a teenager realizes that are taken seriously, they are more likely to be open and honest.

If your teenager does come to you and says that they think they are ready for sex or already having sex, don't tell them they are the scum of the earth. Listen, really listen. They may not be ready and being able to talk openly will let them come to their own decision. It may not be the one you want them to make, but if they know they can come to you, then they will be making more responsible decisions regarding protection and not just relying on Plan B.