I was flipping through the list of recorded shows on our DVR and came across a show with an odd title: "Sex with Mom and Dad". I flipped the screen off and yelled to Cathie, "Did you tape anything with, an, um, odd sounding title?" Apparently, she had.She had seen Dr. Drew on some morning show talking about the show, which he claims he did not choose the name for. He encourages parents to watch the show to get a handle on what is happening sexually in the lives of teenagers these days.
Cathie and I sat down and watched the show yesterday and it was very interesting. The episode involved a single-Dad and his 19 year old daughter where the daughter was extremely promiscuous, had recently had a flight with her Dad's co-worker, resulting in some major obstacles in the father/daughter relationship. In reality-show style, they were both interviewed about where they were at, and then they met with Dr. Drew. Dr. Drew talked to them about where they were at, the barriers in their relationship, did some analaysis and gave them some exercises to go through. I'm in no way endorsing Dr. Drew's views on sex, but the show does have some real value:
- It shows some of the consequences of sexual activity for teenagers in terms of their future relationships, their soul, disease, pregnancy, etc. Dr. Drew doesn't focus on this, but he shows the causal at a high level as he looks at the damage in the kids lives and the parents lives.
- It shows the impact the relationship with their parents, and it shows how bad parenting can drive kids to some of this behavior.
- It points out how badly parents and kids need to talk about this stuff, not avoid it. Parents seem to think if they talk to their kids about it, it will increase their level of activity. Studies show that just the opposite occurs.
- It shows other parents and kids going through the uncomfortable conversations with their kids and living to tell about it, and ending up better for it.
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