really, really interesting thread, PZ!
we will be teaching abstinence as a package deal, about the value and beauty of sex, relationships, self worth, and our bodies.
we will however seek to raise them in a way that makes them feel they could come to us openly if they have decided to sleep with their partner, or slipped on a banana peel (or bottle of passion pop) and woken up in someone's bed ...
I disagree with PPs that abstinence is unrealistic - I know have 20 or so friends who have waited until marriage, and dozens more who waited until they were engaged. And frankly, I don't know anyone who regretted that decision.
That being said, I know loads more people who did not choose to wait. Some have regrets, some don't. But that's their choice.
So I would want my kids to understand safe sex and to be informed about STIs, unplanned pregnancies and other possibilities, so that if they make decisions
I believe however that a big part of my responsibility as a parent is to raise our kids the way we think is best - including sharing with them our values and beliefs.
But I also believe that it's our responsibility to ensure that they feel safe to raise ask questions, discuss other opinions and beliefs and form their own positions in a safe and non judgmental environment.
My parents had firm views on a lot of things. I don't agree with all of them, but I can talk to them about any of them in an open and honest way. I'd like the same to be true of my relationship with my kids.
