Parents, teens view teen pregnancy TV show

•For more parental tips and suggestions for talking to teens about sexuality or to download "The Secret Life” discussion guides, go online to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy's Web site, www.thenationalcampaign.org.

•To read a related blog and add your comments about "The Secret Life,” go online to "Hiccups,” The Oklahoman's parenting blog, at http://blog.newsok.com/hiccups.

Tips for talking about sex

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy offers these tips for parents and adults discussing sexuality with youths:

•Be clear about your sexual values and attitudes.

•Talk with your children early and often about sex, and be specific.

•Supervise and monitor your children and adolescents.

•Know your children's friends and their families.

•Discourage early, frequent and steady dating.

•Take a strong stand against your daughter dating a boy significantly older than she is. And don't allow your son to develop an intense relationship with a girl much younger than he is.

•Help your teenagers have options for the future that are more attractive than early pregnancy and parenthood.

•Let your children know that you value education highly.

•Know what your children are listening to, watching and reading.

These tips for helping children avoid teen pregnancy work best when they occur as part of strong, close relationships with your children that are built from an early age. Strive for a relationship that is warm in tone, firm in discipline and rich in communication, and one that emphasizes mutual trust and respect.