Learning how to talk about sexuality with your children is not an easy task.  For that reason, as of two years ago the organization Chas has been focusing on providing tools and support to parents as primary sexuality educators.  Currently, Kandiyohi county in Minnesota is the fifth county with the highest number of adolescent pregnancy between the ages of 15 and 19 years of age. 

This broad program is supported with the help of experts of various fields of study.  One of the experts is Claudia Treviño, who oversees sexuality and physical education for middle school and high school youth.  On the other side there is Doctor Carolina Pastene, a obstetrician/gynecologist from the University of Chile, who has taken up the responsibility on educating the community, free of charge, through large and small group presentations given in four sessions depending on the needs of the community.   

Observations have been made in Kandiyohi county that indicate that parents would like to educate their youth about sexuality.  However, some parents feel that they don’t have the necessary means of information and the confidence to speak to their kids about sexuality.  In addition, Doctor Pastene highlights that “adolescents expect for their parents be the first to inform them about sexuality, and in reality they are receiving their information elsewhere instead of hearing it from their parents.” 

Claudia and Carolina provide education to parents of children of preschool through high school grades.  It is very significant to generate bonds of trust between parents and their children from birth in order that they may have a good relationship with their children during their adolescent years.  Dr. Caroline expressed that they also offer techniques to parents to respond appropriately to young children‘s questions. For example, if a two year old asks mom, “where do babies come from?” it is best to find out why the child is making such inquiry.  Therefore, the parent may provide an appropriate answer according to the child’s age and reasoning. On the contrary, if a parent gives the child a vague answer the child may respond as one child replied, “I thought babies came from Virginia because my friend is from Virginia.” 

Dr. Carolina believes the biggest problem is communication because sexuality deals with values, gender roles, knowing how to face life, personal ambitions, dreams and aspirations and not just about sex.  Parents are always advised to get to know their kids better.  Hence, communication is essential.  For example, when a parent gets home from work and their child states he wants to talk, the parent should let their child know that they need take a shower, have supper, and or unwind in order to give them their undivided attention.  

A parent must make the rules and set the boundaries and expectations. For example, a parent should tell their child,  “ We prefer that you would not ever smoke or have a baby before you finish high school because those are the dreams we have for you.” It is always good to place a high expectation on them.   We have witnessed many generations that have lowered their standards because of comments like, “we hope you will not become a smoker, we hope you don’t become a parent at an early age”, and those types of comments underestimate the youth’s capability of doing the right thing.  These are some of the tools  offered to parents during the four session courses on  improving parenting skills and communication with their adolescents.  The workshops that Chas offers are given in Spanish or English.  If you want to hold an event for teenagers and their parents  or if you wish to attend one of the four sessions you may  contact Chas at 320-212-1715.