There is almost nothing more uncomfortable for a parent than to talk to their children about sex and their sexuality. Where did the time go and how did they get to be in their early teens? Are they thinking about sex or worse yet, have they begun to experiment? You won't truly ever know since most kids don't discuss sex with their parents. In the mind of a child, or even a teenager, parents don't have sex. And they most certainly can't relate to their world or know anything that they're going through, especially if you're dealing with a teen in the rebellious stage.

So how do you approach the talk with your child and when? Statistics show that 1 in 4 children from ages 12-18 have a sexually transmitted disease. The average age for the first sexual encounter in the U.S. is 16. So watch your children and see when they start to become curious or start to fixate on the way they look, the way others look, and how they compare.

Some children become interested in sex earlier than others. Only you will know what level your child is at and the only way you will accomplish that is by communicating with them. Communication is the key to everything. Children learn how to communicate by watching their parents, friends and everyone around them from the day they are born.

This is the age of computers and the Internet. Use your computer as a tool for teaching your children about their bodies and about sex. Download information from some of the great medical sites that are out there. Teach your children when they have a question about their body to use these sites.

Remember when you were little and you wanted to know how to spell something and your parents said: "Look it up in the dictionary." Use your computer as your parents did with the encyclopedia or the dictionary. Start early and become comfortable with sex and your sexuality and it will be easier for you to provide information to your children.

Maybe you hoped they would wait to have sex until they were 40, but that's not realistic. Sex is all around them on TV, in books, music, etc. Abstinence is the most effective way for them to be safe but will they practice it?

Children are experimenting with oral sex. Oral herpes is regularly passed to the genitals from a simple cold sore on the lip. 90% of the population suffers from cold sores or fever blisters. Both viruses are actually forms of herpes and that means a lot of people have the potential to pass herpes orally to the genitals. Even virgins may get genital herpes through oral sex with someone who has a cold sore present.

Sex is a big responsibility and make sure you children are educated and know the many risks about STDs. Begin the talk about sex as soon as they start having questions about their bodies and sex. Get them their very own doctor who they can talk to privately. Assist them in creating that relationship with this doctor and explain to them that their doctor won't tell you anything they don't want you to know.

Remember your children will sense your fear or lack of knowledge. Practice with your partner and then talk to them. Don't expect the schools to teach your children. You brought them into the world and it is up to you to teach them about sex, responsibility and their bodies. If you are uncomfortable talking to them, go to the library or the bookstore and get a few books to have them read with you or on their own. Make up games, be creative and relax. Let them know that you love them and will always be there for them no matter what may happen. Assure them by being there and through your willingness to converse about sex in a positive manner. Breathe!

Remember what your life was like when you were a teenager and how your parents talked with you or did not. Be their mentor, friend and their parent. No one is perfect. Make yourself comfortable so they will also be comfortable. Dating and being a teen is hard enough and even harder if your children get an STD. They would be afraid to tell anyone, especially their parents but they might if you have opened positive and supportive lines of communication with them.

Communication conquers all fears. Fear is from lack of knowledge and understanding which in return creates self-hate and loneliness. Your children should not be alone as they learn about their bodies and sex, so be a family and teach each other. The Internet is a wonderful tool. Learn to use it for the many great sites and information that can be found there. So turn on the computer and down load the favorites for easy viewing or have your child show you!

The following is a list of web sites that will help you better communicate with your children about sex:

Planned Parenthood's site for teens= http://www.teenwire.com/index.asp/
American Social Health Association= http://www.ashastd.org/
ASHA's site for teens= http://www.iwannaknow.org/
A complete site for all your answers= http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/Cat7.html/
Herpes.org run by a Doctor who will answer your medical questions via email= http://www.herpes.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention= http://www.cdc.gov/
Web MD= http://www.webmd.com/