Religion
For some people, religion is very important and shapes family life, values and behaviour. Different faiths have specific views on sexual activity and relationships. If religion is important in your family, are you talking about how this impacts on the expectations of both you and your child about sex and relationships?
Healthy Respect will always support young people to make choices that are right for them, and encourage them to speak to their parents about these issues. It also reminds young people that it is OK to be different…and OK to wait. Healthy Respect emphasises to young people the importance of respectful, loving relationships.
Communication, love and understanding can go a long way to resolve a difficult situation, or to avoid it in the first place
Religious views may mean that some parents regard certain activities as unacceptable.
But problems arise when a young person does not abide by the prescribed behaviours. What do parents do if their child is having sex when their religion forbids it? It can be a very difficult situation and is one faced by many parents.
Some faiths and some people's understanding of their religion mean they may take different views and approaches to those of Healthy Respect and other sexual health organisations.
But, while the views on this website may not be acceptable to all parents, most, if not all aspects of it can be adapted to help parents talk to their child about relationships and sexual health.
Communication
Communication, love and understanding can go a long way to resolve a difficult situation, or to avoid it in the first place. Parents may approach religious leaders for advice and support and they can talk to their friends. What would they do? Have they been through a similar situation and if so, what helped them through it? There are many support groups for parents. Health visitors, social workers, teachers, school nurses and youth and community workers can also be approached for advice and information.
Working together
On homosexuality, Rose Robertson (Parents' Enquiry Handbook) says: "One of the difficulties that parents have, and which causes much pain, grief and confusion, is reconciling homosexuality in their son/daughter with their religious faith. One could not attempt in this particular area to reach for or to offer a solution, which would be universally accepted".
However, one point can be made. Representatives from many denominations are doing a great deal of work to bring about a more tolerant and understanding attitude towards homosexual people.
Talking Together
Young People, Sex and the Law - Info for Parents and Carers
Support and Information for Parents and Carers