Sex education is a very common aspect in the life of all teenagers. It encompasses information about aspects of one’s sexuality including family planning, reproduction and reproductive health. Sex education also involves education about emotional relations. It also informs the teens about the hazards of sexually transmitted infections and birth control methods. Teenagers, generally get sex education informally through parents or friends. Media, magazines and web sites are some other informal sources for sex educations among the teenagers.

There are different schools of thoughts, though on the time and extent of this knowledge that should be provided formally by schools and healthcare providers. However, its significance cannot be overlooked. Apart from avoiding sexual problems, sex education helps to avoid the spread of sexual infections. It helps to avert unwanted pregnancies, thereby stopping unnecessary abortions in teens.

A good knowledge about one’s sexual behavior reduces the peer pressure among the teens, which is very commonly seen now days. It frees the teenagers from associating sex with feelings of embarrassment and guilt and makes them realize that it is a common and a very normal aspect of lives of most adult people.

Although, parents are preferably the best people to provide sex education to their teens, there are chances that they may not be at ease with their own sexuality. Hence, schools seem to be the most effective way to impart sex education. For best results, it should be made a part of a broad educational program with special attention to moral and religious side of sexuality. Sex education should be gradually inculcated in the teens so that they view it as a normal phenomenon.

Hygiene is a very integral part of our daily lives. It is essential in relationships, at place of work and for functioning in the society in general. So it is mandatory for parents to teach their children, the importance of hygiene. For parents, who are unsure of how to deal with this sensitive issue, here are some suggestions that might help them in making their children teach proper hygiene.

A child learns most of the things by observing things around him/her. So, parents should make it a point that they lead by example and instill in the child, the importance of cleanliness at every possible opportunity. Parents should also maintain the comfort level with their children so that they are not afraid to ask any queries that they may have about their bodies.

This would also ensure that the child understands the necessity of cleanliness. Parents should make sure that their children learn how to wash their hands with warm soapy water. They can make their child sing ABC’s while doing so to add some fun. Children should be made to get in the habit of cleaning themselves every night before they go to bed.

Parent should not feel embarrassed to teach their children to wipe thoroughly. They can get moist disposable wipes for their children to make sure that they keep clean in the genital region. Parent should discuss puberty with their children as puberty results in more sweat, growing of hair in underarms and around the genitals and increases the reasons to maintain hygiene. Parent should understand that teaching their children to maintain hygiene would only keep them healthier and happier.